Grotta Gigante

Apr. 9th, 2026 01:26 pm
nanila: wrong side of the mirror (me: wrong side of the mirror)
[personal profile] nanila
One of the Trieste trip activities selected by Keiki was the Grotta Gigante. Accordingly we booked timed entry tickets, and headed out on the bus on Day 2.

20260408_112129

Spoiler alert: It is a gigantic cave. You have to descend 500 damp, steep, slippery steps bounded by damp, slippery metal handrails. As a person with acrophobia, I should have realised beforehand that this was going to test me, but somehow I managed to completely miss that despite it the access parameters being pretty clearly stated on the web site. I am quite proud that through much deep breathing and tight management of the pointing direction of my vision, I was able to cope with the descent and appreciate the visit.

Many cave photos )

THE END.

Daily Happiness

Apr. 9th, 2026 09:27 pm
torachan: takatsuki & nitorin from hourou musuko (trans kids)
[personal profile] torachan
1. I took my laundry over to the hotel next door this morning and since last time I used their app to do it, I did not take any cash. We’ll, you can still use the app, but there’s terrible cell reception in the hotel, especially back by the laundry room, and last time I didn’t notice it because I was using hotel Wi-Fi, but I’m not actually a guest at that hotel, so no Wi-Fi for me. I just about got the wash going after a long struggle, but unlike the machines at the last two hotels, this is not a combo so I had to go back to do the dryer separately and foolishly did not take cash that time either, and I couldn’t even text Carla to bring me cash since the reception was that bad. Instead I took the damp laundry back to the hotel to hang dry. Thankfully we had enough clean clothes to wear today (though we really were down to the last few items as we packed light with the intention of doing laundry multiple times) and when we came back to the hotel in the afternoon, I took the few things that were still damp and did a 15 minute run in the dryer (with cash) to finish them off.

2. Today was our Disneyland day and it was pretty much perfect. Despite the delay of doing laundry in the morning, I was able to get over there and line up before opening and Carla joined me soon after. We were in the park by a few minutes after 9 and got an express pass for Beaty and the Beast right away, plus one for Monsters Inc a little later. Last time we hadn’t managed to get the pass for Monsters Inc and while I went on it myself Carla wasn’t up to the hour+ line, so I wanted to make sure we got that this time. By the time we were able to put in for another pass, they were sold out for Winnie the Pooh, but we were able to do it with the regular line later in the evening when the wait was down to 20 minutes. It was a bit sunny in the morning but not hot, and windy in the afternoon and evening but not too cold.

3. We were planning on DisneySea tomorrow, but it’s supposed to rain all day (though based on the total inches, probably only sprinkling) and the park is closing at 6pm, which means we wouldn’t be able to go back to the hotel and rest then come back for dinner, which is our preferred method. So instead we will go on Saturday, which will be more crowded, and do other stuff tomorrow.

4. Finally heard back from the tax preparer and we will be getting a decent refund!

Just two things

Apr. 9th, 2026 09:50 am
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[personal profile] maggie33
Life in Smokey Blue

It’s a new Japanese BL drama, and one of the leads is played by Takeda Kouhei (Nozue from Old Fashioned Cupcake). It started airing on Gaga, the 1st episode is free and I watched it yesterday. And I loved it.

Takeda Kouhei plays Azuma Sakutaro, who’s 38 years old. He was an ace pharmaceutical sales representative, but now he’s unemployed and living at his sister’s house. One night when he’s drinking at the bar he chances upon Kuji Shizuka, his former coworker and rival from his pharmaceutical company days. Eight years earlier on the day Kuji left the company, they spend one memorable night together, but in the morning Azuma found out that Kuji disappeared without a word. And they haven’t seen each other since.

Two lead actors are 37 and 40 years old, and it feels so nice to watch BL with mature leads. And they look good together (see below) and have great chemistry.



Gohan

This is a Thai movie about a life of a white stray dog and his three different owners, and I really want to watch it. Even though I know it will make me cry buckets, because just this short trailer already made me teary-eyed.

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Posted by SB Sarah

B+

The Midnight Show

by Lee Kelly
April 7, 2026 · Crown
Historical: OtherLGBTQIALiterary FictionMystery/Thriller

The Midnight Show is a ridiculously immersive and compelling celebrity mystery told through interview transcripts, email messages, texts, and articles as a Rolling Stone journalist and sketch comedy fan researches and compiles a history of a late-night program clearly based on SNL. The journalist, Madeline, interviews all the original surviving cast members, and is attempting to both investigate the history of the first seasons and establish a timeline for the central mystery: what happened to Lillian Martin, the very young breakout star who disappeared 40 years prior.

This format where the reader is peeking into the foundational research for a magazine article gives the entire story a very dishy, gossipy, almost transgressive feel, which I really loved. All these private conversations, including portions both on the record and off, and I get to be an observing witness to them all? I’m so in. It was delightful.

It was also a little stressful. I got this warning from my fitness ring while I was sitting in a chair reading this book: 

An alert from Ringconn that reads: 3-28 4:30-5:00 pm: your stress level is 85! take a deep breath and relax!

Again, I was in a chair, legs up, reading The Midnight Show, and my stress level went up at some tense moments enough to get a warning from a device. I’m still laughing about this! The story isn’t scary, but it has the effect of a slow motion train wreck visible in the distance that is unstoppable as it approaches, and clearly I was emotionally connected to what was happening.

While it remains startling to me that a book set in the 80s is historical fiction, the extremely hard drugs, the decrepit grime of New York City, and the AIDS epidemic existing in some parallel world where people are dying by the dozens or more every day and no one is paying attention, form a backdrop that feels both distant, and immediately relevant.

Also immediate and relevant: the central themes of how women in comedy – in entertainment generally – are slotted into archetypes while their talents are mercilessly extracted, usually for the enrichment of the men around them, and then discarded. Shitty immature men blaming everyone around them for their problems and controlling anyone who threatens them are unfortunately perennial and not tied to one particular era.

To say this is a ‘character-driven’ novel is accurate, and kind of an understatement. Each character becomes distinct, even though I’m reading their interviews, or, essentially, monologues. Sometimes the transcripts are one entire conversation, and in other chapters, different transcripts are assembled together to give everyone’s take on a particular moment. Only a few times did I need to page backwards to remind myself who was talking; most of the time, I could tell instantly what perspective I was reading (often based on how much my stomach churned while reading their bullshit).

And of course everyone has a different, often contradictory take on the same moment. One character was constantly casting themselves as the victim, and waiting for their incipient martyrdom during their interviews was almost like playing BINGO: aaaaand…yup! There it is, poor thing, woe is you.

Other characters had a crackling energy brimming with the tension of desperately wanting to share every last sordid detail while holding themselves back from revealing too much. Some transcripts felt almost cathartic, as if the narrator was relieved: “Finally I get to tell the whole truth about these fuckos.” And some narrators are relentless in how they lie to protect themselves, blithely spewing falsehoods to prop up tired legends about themselves while refusing to give any credit to the women worked alongside them.

In the end, it’s mostly satisfying. I think the ambiguity around one piece of the story is a realistic choice, because no specific outcome would ever be satisfactory, and not knowing the particulars means I’m free to imagine the worst (which I did).

This is a book that’s broadly about celebrity and fame, about raw talent meeting unlimited resources, and most of all, about how terrible people weave mythologies around themselves to distract from their dreadful behavior and consolidate their power.

And specifically, it’s about a group of young, talented people who lived through an experience that made them extremely famous in an extremely short amount of time – another present and relevant aspect to the story. if you liked Daisy Jones and the Six, or if you like mysteries where the clefs are very roman, you’ll probably enjoy this as much as I did. Mind your stress levels.

 

Draw a Bird Day

Apr. 9th, 2026 12:19 am
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[personal profile] ysabetwordsmith posting in [community profile] green_joy
April 8 was Draw a Bird Day. You don't need to be "an artist" for this. Your drawing (or painting, or whatever) does not have to be fancy. Just squiggle out a bird! Drawing nature encourages people to appreciate and preserve the beauty around us.

Read more... )

the stress is piling on

Apr. 8th, 2026 11:01 pm
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[personal profile] cornerofmadness
So I did go to yoga but...the whole right side of me was asking wtf you doing? Here have some nerve pain. Wanna die in a pretzel I'm a gonna make that happen. In Shavasana (the corpse pose, my best pose) my brain says 'eyes closed? here's some little inner mind's eyes pics for you to enjoy. Oh btw it looks like a tick crawling up your arm or maybe a spider from the ceiling. I opened my eyes trying to find it.

Work is grinding us under. That's all I have to say there.

What I Just Finished Reading:

Edinburgh Twilight - historic mystery, chonkier than I like mysteries to be but I'm enjoying it

The Tale of the Hidden Village - some cozy fantasy/mystery indie I got a couple years back already.



What I am Currently Reading:

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek - this is painful

Hooked on Murder - I'm going to push only because it fits the terrible Popsugar prompt of granny hobby (god I hate that term with unreasonable hatred) but it seems the detective isn't going to do her job because she wants the cop the amateur sleuth is dating and I hope that isn't what this will be. Then again every woman in the crochet ring suck

Stay for a Spell - cozy fantasy, love this


The Death Card (an arc I just got in the mail)




What I Plan to Read Next: Something that came at the library I don't even remember requesting.

Update, the SF Edition

Apr. 9th, 2026 01:03 pm
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[personal profile] mergatrude
We saw Project Hail Mary last Saturday at the cinema and really enjoyed it. I managed to avoid spoilers (I have the audio book on reserve) and it was particularly lovely in concert with all the delightful Artemis II updates I've been following.

I also listened to the Becky Chambers novella To Be Taught, If Fortunate, which has less people dying in space but otherwise similar themes, and I recommend it. As an audiobook I found it meditative and soothing.

While I was sick the dude and I watched a lot of Classic Doctor Who, mostly Four and Five. It was a lot of fun, and we found we can order the new Blu-Ray sets from the UK cheaper than they're available here (my BIL calls it the Australia Tax). I'm trying to remember if Adric was a fake from Castrovalva, or if he was swapped out later. Anthony Ainley makes a decent Master. *g*

I watched a couple of episodes of Resident Alien with the lad, but I gather that spoilers ) so I don't know if I'll manage to keep watching it.

I read a delightful Star Wars/Indiana Jones mashup and it's the only Sequel I now want!
fame and glory, kid (are not the real treasures here) (3793 words) by searchingforserendipity
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Star Wars - All Media Types, Indiana Jones Series, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Leia Organa/Han Solo, Han Solo & Kylo Ren
Characters: Han Solo, Ben Solo | Kylo Ren, Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker
Additional Tags: indiana is pretty cool but han is the hero of this story, indiana solo aka han's dad, Family Feels, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fix-It, Crack Treated Semi Seriously, Father-Son Relationship, Crossovers & Fandom Fusions
Summary:

"It's no use, Solo," sneered the evil droideka General. "Give us the holocron, and perhaps your death will serve the Nhazi forces of the Separatist army. "

"How about no," Indiana said, and adjusted his hat.

 

In which Ben Solo takes to idolizing his grandfather from a young age. No, not that one. Not that one either.



Yesterday I picked up a pre-owned copy of the second season of Blake's 7, which I am nerdily excited about.

In conclusion, spaaaaaaaace!

D&D night

Apr. 8th, 2026 10:23 pm
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[personal profile] silver_chipmunk
I got up a little after 10:00 and had breakfast and coffee. I got the notice that one of my Thriftbooks orders had arrived, so I went and collected that. Then I puttered online until about 1:30 when I took a shower and got dressed, and went and got my laundry from the laundromat.

I puttered online some more, continuing the discussion on Ship-of-fools, and had some disturbing technical issues, which finally worked themselves out. Eventually I went to the bedroom and started reading the book I got today, The Godmother by Elizabeth Scarborough. I had read it once, years ago, and remember it imperfectly, but wanted to read it again.

I read until around 5:00 when I had a snack, and then went back to the bedroom and attempted to nap, but was unsuccessful.

At a little after 6:00, I got a phone call from my psychiatrist, and we had a session. For the first time he wanted to do a video session, rather than phone, so that was interesting.

At 6:30 I went out to the living room and started getting the computer set up for Teaming the FWiB.

We Teamed at 7:00 as usual, and talked til 8:00 when I had my D&D game. We did a lot of discussing what to do, got ambushed by kobolds, battled them, then went back to town, where we got kicked out after having our magic weapons impounded. We spent more time discussing what we should do, an finally decided to end early because everyone wasn't there to make the decision.

Then I fed the pets, and had dinner, and now I'm here.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. My book arrived.

3. The issues with the computer resolved themselves.

4. My gaming group.

5. Thriftbooks.

6. Clean laundry

I don't even know

Apr. 8th, 2026 10:33 pm
mickeym: (misc_stabbity stab)
[personal profile] mickeym
It hurts to feel this angry and this bitter, so much of the time.

Two days ago, or maybe three or four, I don't know for sure. They all run together, after a while. Anyway. I was having trouble pushing away the trunk I use as a makeshift stool (my chair is a recliner, but the recliner broke and Madisyn killed my warranty by taking a hammer to it). Sometimes when it's humid and the windows are open, it becomes harder to push the truck away from me.

So I asked Matthew if he could help me with the stool. Pull it out so I could stand up and do whatever it was I was going to do. Well, he said, "you can do it yourself. You just have to try harder." I was already in a pissy mood, and I snapped. I don't remember what I said, but it conveyed my pissy mood. Something to the effect of how could he just sit there and watch me struggle and NOT offer help. I have to pull my leg all the way up to my body in order to get enough leverage to push it away from me -- and if it's humid, it's extremely difficult.

And Donnie, in my kitchen making a mess, as always, turns toward me and Matthew and says, "He didn't answer you {however whatever}, and Matthew, you're her son, not her caretaker. You don't have to do anything for her.

My very first internal reaction to that was WTELF??!

I then told her as nicely as I could manage that I wasn't interested in her opinion, and she could keep it to herself. I told Matthew much the same. I finally was able to get up, and went into the bathroom (my "room") and stayed there for a little while, just shaking with anger.

Later, when talking with Matthew about it (without Donnie, tyvm), I asked him what, exactly, he thought I was asking for him to do, to "be my caregiver". I said, you don't wipe my ass for me; you don't do any of my hygiene care; you don't bathe me or feed me or do my meds. Occasionally, I need help getting the stool out to get up, and I do ask him to push the stool in for me, because I can't always get it pulled all the way in. He puts my laundry into the washer, and then into the dryer. I fold it, and put it away. I cook for us. I wash our dishes -- he usually dries and puts away. What, exactly, is he giving me that falls into any category other than "one human helping another one out". Donnie, I should mention, will run Megan ragged fetching this or that or the other, especially while cooking. Megan puts Donnie's shoes and socks on her. Fetches clothing. Or Donnie's purse. She gets water with ice, constantly. I mean, if we're going tit-for-tat, maybe Donnie should look at her own domestic relationship -- and keep her nose out of mine.

They're out of town right now. On vacation (though they can't afford to pay any of the bills here). They're down in Gatlinburg TN, and Super!Suzy has paid for them to be there. They're not going to have any income for the week they're gone, and they've run through a good chunk of what got set aside for moving. Matthew and I have decided that we're going to tell them they have until May 1st to move, or they'll have to start paying something. And it's nothing to do with whether or not we have the money to pay all the bills. We almost do. As long as nothing happens. But it has to do with, god, living in someone's house for 16 months, and having paid about $1000. Total. In 16 months. That's roughly $62.50/mo.

Augh. I'm sorry. That was major word!vomit, and I just came over here to vent a little bit about one thing.

I think I'm going to watch some ER, and then go to bed.

X-posted to Livejournal and Dreamwidth. Read/comment where you choose.

Aurendor D&D: Summary for 4/8 Game

Apr. 8th, 2026 09:38 pm
settiai: (Siân -- settiai)
[personal profile] settiai
In tonight's game, the rest under a cut for those who don't care. )

And that's where we left off, because the DM's internet died again (as the game's start was already delayed because of internet issues).
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Event: [community profile] lul_soulmatesex is a multi-fandom, multi-medium freeform exchange dedicated to all types and derivatives of soul connections.

Event links: Dreamwidth | AO3 Collection

Due date: April 16, 2026, 11:59 am CDT (UTC-5) (flexible!)

Fanwork Minimums: 1,000 words (Fic) or a complete work on unlined paper (Art)

To Claim: reply to the latest PH Post on Dreamwidth or email ao3modball@gmail.com with the pinch hit number and your AO3 username. Thanks for your consideration!

PHs Required for Works Reveal:

PH 3 - NoPixel (Web Series), Video Blogging RPF, Runescape (Video Games), 仙王的日常生活 | The Daily Life of the Immortal King (Cartoon)

Additional Available PHs:

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[personal profile] kitewithfish

Personal update: I have indulged – I got a Kobo ereader to replace my somewhat elderly Kindle Paperwhite. It has BUTTONS - actual, physical buttons! It’s so nice and the lighting is good, and I am at last free from the Amazon ecosystem. On the downside, a good deal of the fic that I have saved for myself the last few years in ebook form was transmitted to the Kindle as emailed attachments, and so I have a new part time job of saving and converting all of those and sending them to the Kobo.

What I’ve Read
Gaudy Night – Dorothy Sayers – I finished this slowly, in writing, and I am glad I took the time. This book is a wonderful summation of the series, giving space for Harriet’s introspection and allowing her to slowly come to terms with her own growing trust in her own judgment. It’s full of allusion, jokes, and self-reflection. I often fall back on the metaphor of fiction as light striking a jewel – a skilled writer can draw out subtle meanings and highlight contrast by what facets are lit by the writer’s attention.  By the end of this book both Harriet and Peter are illuminated. Wonderful book, glad I decided to give the series a proper and slow read-thru rather than just goof around.

Sidebar: I have an exacting requirement about English writers, which is that I want them to show their work – I want to see them thinking about what it means To Be English in their works, rather than taking their Englishness for a universal and inevitable norm, like gravity or light. In the case of Sayers, it often takes the form of thinking about time, about changes, about class, about academics, about social roles, about dignity and decency and what is or is not “done.” This book makes me see a vision of Oxford as Harriet Vane loved it, and I think that’s very worthwhile.

Busman’s Honeymoon – Dorothy Sayers – I am glad I picked this up so soon after Gaudy Night! They are very close in time. This book is fascinating because the beginning frame is an epistolary section from Peter and Harriet’s friends and family about how happy they are to see them married, the middle of the book starts as a sort of cozy “murder in a locked cottage” mystery, and then the ending is a gradual examination of what it costs Peter, as a human being, to send another person to be tried and executed for their crimes. It’s book about marriage, and figuring out how to be in a life together with someone else, with all their scars and foibles, and how to do it honorably, without pulling them into being your plaything. It’s moderately incredible and also tonally complex in a way that Sayers’s earlier detective novels just wasn’t. Honestly, great and nothing like I was expecting.

The Orb of Cairado
by Katherine Addison – I didn’t know this was a murder mystery, and I think that works because the main character didn’t know either, until he was well into it. It’s short and sweet and mostly complete, and delves into a bit of the social reaction to the reign of Emperor Edrehasivar VII aka, Maia the protagonist of the first novel in this series. Orb does not stand up on its own without that book, and I suspect it does not stand up without the Witness for the Dead novels, and since I have read all of those multiple times, I don’t mind. I am not sure if this book is a cash grab from Addison or an attempt at a palette cleanser, but I can't tell if its successful because I can't tell why she wanted to write it. I also don’t think it holds up well against Sayers (unfair comparison, who could??) and I would not have read them so close together if I had known it was a murder mystery. 

Sidebar: This is the third time Addison/Monette has linked being a gay man with murder, that I know of. I rather wish she were a little inclined to ponder if there’s something there, there.

Honorable mention – not a novel, but this excellent fic based in Much Ado About Nothing made me very happy – Reprise by Perennial - https://archiveofourown.org/works/26980378


What I’m Reading
The Fabric of Civilization – Virginia Postrel. The deeper we get into this book, the more interested and niche the information gets. I had some background in textile history – New England children all get a visit to a fabric mill and a maple sugar shack as mandatory field trips, and we also got a background in the Bread and Roses textile workers' strikes in school – so I think I am perhaps unusually versed for the average person on the history of textiles up to and immediately into the 1800s. That said, this was the first time someone really explained the mechanism that punch cards looms DO to make the punch cards impact the cloth, and that alone was worth the price of admission. I was listening to the audiobook but switched to the digital text when I realized I was missing the PICTURES.

What I’ll Read Next

Sunshine (Robin McKinley, a re-read)
Catching Fire

Knitting reflections – I just got the notice that the next Sock Madness pattern is a heel-up pattern, not unlike the Hyrde Sokker I recently did for fun. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hyrde-sokker I really enjoy this style of heel-up, in the round sock, as I find it has a comfy padded heel and a high instep without too much fussing. My first pair were these Nordwand socks, one of the few times I am pleased I was briefly on TikTok. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nordwand-socksI’m kicking doing this round just because I do actually want these socks for my own. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/whisky-ahoi


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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

We’re afraid if we linger too long on You, Me & Tuscany star Halle Bailey’s ensemble for her visit to Live with Kelly & Mark we may start screaming  and then find it difficult to stop. And if you think we’re referring to the fact that your girl is sporting that unholy textile known as peach satin, we’re afraid you’re only getting half the picture.

The screaming, it won’t stop. It may never stop.

 

Style Credits:
LaPointe Silky Twill Relaxed Pleated Pant with Feathers
LaPointe Feather Trim Satin Cape Sleeve Mini Dress

 

[Photo Credit: Roger Wong/INSTARimages, shoplapointe.com, neimanmarcus.com]

The post YOU, ME & TUSCANY star Halle Bailey in LaPointe at the LIVE WITH KELLY AND MARK Studios appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

The stars came out for the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards, which is some sort of thing, but despite the word “fashion” being prominently featured during the proceedings, most of them showed up in seriously wacky looks. Come with us on a journey of discovery.

 

Alison Brie in Monse

All things considered, it’s not bad, although we think the design is trying to do too much, what with the checkerboard effect, the ombre effect and the fringe. We’d chop off the latter.

 

Becky G

Acceptable, but a bit too businesslike.

 

Brittany Snow in Monse

We hate the cutout, partially because of where it’s placed but mostly because they turned it into a flower and that’s just silly.

 

Camila Mendes in Johanna Ortiz

Generic.

 

Chase Stokes

The jacket is interesting and the grooming is impressive, but we don’t think a plain white dress shirt was the way to go here.

 

Chrissy Teigen in Balenciaga

Lady, you look like a duck.

 

D’Arcy Carden

The pants are okay, but that jacket is awful.

 

Dove Cameron in Ferrari

Dove, we don’t mean to alarm you but your stylist clearly hates you and is trying to destroy you.

 

Fergie in Genny

It’s not bad in theory, but none of the whites match and the hat is giving Kid Rock.

 

François Arnaud

We think the textile is leather, but we can’t tell from this shot. The color looks great, but the fit is way too roomy.

 

Garcelle Beauvais

Old pantyhose. And that’s way too many tiers.

 

Jay Ellis in Ferrari

We don’t love the flipped lapels and the ombre looks pretty tacky to us.

 

Julia Fox in Ashley Williams

Honestly, this is disappointingly low effort. She usually puts more thought and more work in to her wackery, but this is just a Halloween costume.

 

Jurnee Smollett

Can’t argue with that.

 

Kelsea Ballerini in David Koma

Fashion designers have truly lost their way.

 

Lana Condor

WHAT on earth?!? We’re not offended by boobs, but the proportions here are comically awful and the effect isn’t very flattering.

 

Maddie Ziegler

So, is the dress code something along the lines of “Show up in your craziest shit?”

 

Melissa McCarthy in Stella McCartney

Evidently Melissa didn’t get the memo, because this is one of the best dresses she’s ever worn.

 

Mindy Kaling in Simkhai

The design is simple but the color looks great on her.

 

Olivia Wilde in Ashlyn

Just taking her top off on the red carpet, as one does.

 

Pamela Anderson

The print is muddy and the colors are dreary. Her hair looks terrible and she’s sliding out of those sandals. Did they all arrive on a party bus together or something? Because man, there are a ton of shitty looks here.

 

Rei Ami in Altuzarra

It’s an interesting design and we like the colors, but that print is messy and distracting.

 

Yara Shahidi in Mugler

That top looks like it was made out of a car seat.

 

[Photo Credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images]

The post Red Carpet Rundown: Fashion Trust U.S. 2026 Awards appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

In a new cover story for VARIETY, Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder speak with Executive Editor, TV Michael Schneider on the final season of HACKS, the emotional last scenes, the relationship between Deborah and Ava, the challenges faced by Smart, how the show has impacted Einbinder’s career, and more. 

 

 

Smart on shooting the final scene of “Hacks”:

“The last shot of us was in this long room with huge, high ceilings, and just us on a bench about the size of a couch. We were lying flat on our backs staring at the ceiling, with these 40-foot-high Dutch masters paintings, and ad-libbing. We were just making up crazy shit. It was fun to end it that way.”

Smart on not inquiring with showrunners on how “Hacks” would end:

“I never asked them in all these years how the show was gonna end,” Smart says. “I wanted to

be surprised, but then when I found out, at first I was concerned — and a little taken aback. But the more  thought about it, I thought, ‘OK, I can see that.’ And then there’s a twist at the end. But I won’t spoil it.”

Einbinder on the final American scene of “Hacks”:

“The entire crew was just standing behind the camera watching us, like every department, in a way that’s not typical,” Einbinder recalls later. “It was almost eerie and sad and beautiful and familial. It’s seared into my brain forever.”

Smart on how dark things got between her and Einbinder’s characters over the first four seasons:

“I was afraid people would be turned off by it. Deborah got her white whale, and whatever that thing is that drives Deborah Vance — that demon inside her of needing respect. She was willing to sacrifice just about anything to get that.”

Einbinder on the fifth season of “Hacks” and her ranking of the seasons:

“We go into the year on the same team, totally not adversarial at all like the past,” says Einbinder —

who, for the record, ranks the seasons this way: “I’m a 5-3-1-4-2 girl.”

Smart on her teenage son watching “Hacks” while her character begins a romance with a younger man:

“Every once in a while I have to tell him, ‘Well, there’s a scene you might not love.’”

Einbinder on forming an early connection with Smart:

“The first day shooting ‘Hacks,’ I shared some- thing with Jean in passing, and I didn’t know that she had a similar experience,” Einbinder says. “We had a conversation about something that I think she wasn’t talking to anyone about, and there was an immediate sense of trust between us. We didn’t really have a sense yet of what the show would be, how much of our life the show would be. We were just focusing on doing a good job and making the show day by day. But our mutual vulnerability created a really solid

foundation of love and respect.”

Smart on turning to Einbinder after the unexpected passing of her husband in 2021:

“I really turned to her for comfort and support, and she was amazing,” Smart says of her co-star. “I mean, she’s very wise.”

Smart on finishing the season of “Hacks” when her husband passed away:

“I was just still kind of in shock,” she says, remembering it now. “I said, ‘Let’s just do it.’ The only the day that got me was when we shot Ava’s father’s funeral. I suddenly thought, ‘I can’t do a funeral scene — I can’t.’ I’m not prone to anxiety at all, but that was not a pleasant day.”

Smart on not feeling great four days after shooting a scene with a keg stand:

“I thought, ‘You haven’t seen your cardiologist in a long time. Don’t be stupid. Your kids just lost their dad!’ So I left her a message, since it was after hours. I said, ‘I know I probably can’t get in to see you this week, but maybe I should do a stress test or something.’ Her service called back instantly and said, ‘Yeah, you’re gonna go to the nearest emergency room right now!’”

Einbinder on Smart’s clumsiness and breaking her knee during “Call Me Izzy” on Broadway:

“Oh my God, I was in town to see the show, and she fucking broke her knee that day. Are you kidding me? I’m always giving her grief. Like, sister, watch where you’re freaking going!”

Einbinder on the effect “Hacks” has had on her career:

“I thought I was going to be a stand-up comedian — that was my whole plan,” Einbinder says. “But collaborative, comedic work has been so rewarding. I have come into myself. I was 24 when I got cast. I’m 30 now. I’ve walked through fire to build my self-esteem during this time. I know who I am in this world. The crew of ‘Hacks’ are like my blood relatives. They have changed my life.”

 

[Photo Credit: Sami Drasin for Variety]

The post VARIETY Cover: Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder on the Final Season of HACKS appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

[syndicated profile] tomlorenzo_feed

Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

Things have been so stressful for everyone lately. Perhaps you could take some solace, some benefit, some comfort from merely gazing at a lovely man in a killer coat. You, Me & Tuscany star Regé-Jean Page stopped by the Today show studios in the kind of outerwear normally reserved for winter, but has been required during this unusually chilly Spring. You won’t hear us complaining.

 

Now that’s a walking-away shot. It’s a stunner of a coat, but we don’t understand why he’s wearing a jacket under it.

 

 

[Photo Credit: Roger Wong/INSTARimages]

The post YOU, ME & TUSCANY Star Regé-Jean Page at THE TODAY SHOW STUDIOS appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

For this week’s PSO, we’re taking a moment to acknowledge The Horrors while attempting to find things that brings us joy, like the Artemis II mission or Raye’s album “This Music May Contain Hope.” But don’t worry! We still manage to be little bitches; in this case, regarding SNL’s Chloe Fineman and the dumbassedness that led to her joking about something pretty awful. PLUS: All of the drama surrounding The Drama and whether it’s worth getting worked up over. A veritable pod-pourri of topics!

 

 

Thank you once again for listening, darlings.

[Photo Credit: Janet Mayer/INSTARimages.com, NASA, Scott Kirkland/FOX, A24]

The post Pop Style Opinionfest: Hope, Joy, and Dumbass Celebrities appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

The cast of The Testaments scaled the Empire State Building like King Kong and attacked passing airplanes. Only about 15 percent of the preceding sentence is true and we trust you can figure out which part that is. Shall we assess?

 

Chase Infiniti in Jason Wu

Hahahaha. Very funny. You almost had us, Chase. No, seriously. Where’s the real outfit you picked for today? Because that gorgeous beat and hair are wasted on this pile of trash.

 

 

Lucy Halliday

It’s a really cute suit and we love the shape of it, but it’s all just a skosh too small on her.

 

 

Mattea Conforti

It’s not a bad dress, and the sandals are pretty well-chosen, but we don’t think that lavender does anything for her.

 

 

Rowan Blanchard in Miu Miu

This is kind of cute, but we don’t get the point of a a miniskirt that looks like it was made out of a wool blanket. The jacket’s adorable, but it needs a contrasting bottom. Or at the very least, given how chilly it’s been, some colored tights. Those shoes look like they’re drunk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE SERIES:
An evolution of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Testaments” is based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name and is a dramatic coming-of-age story set in Gilead. The series follows young teens Agnes, dutiful and pious, and Daisy, a new arrival and convert from beyond Gilead’s borders. As they navigate the gilded halls of Aunt Lydia’s elite preparatory school for future wives, a place where obedience is instilled brutally and always with divine justification, their bond becomes the catalyst that will upend their past, their present, and their future.

Starring Ann Dowd, Chase Infiniti, Lucy Halliday, Mabel Li, Amy Seimetz, Brad Alexander, Rowan Blanchard, Mattea Conforti, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Eva Foote, Isolde Ardies, Shechinah Mpumlwana, Birva Pandya and Kira Guloien.

The series was created for television by showrunner and executive producer Bruce Miller and executive produced by Warren Littlefield, Elisabeth Moss, Steve Stark, Shana Stein, Maya Goldsmith, John Weber, Sheila Hockin, Daniel Wilson, Fran Sears, and Mike Barker, who will also direct the first three episodes. “The Testaments” is produced by MGM Television.

 

[Photo Credit: Nancy Rivera/INSTARimages – Video Credit: Hulu/YouTube]

The post Red Carpet Rundown: THE TESTAMENTS Cast Visit the Empire State Building appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

4/8/2026 Inspiration Trail

Apr. 8th, 2026 02:48 pm
mrkinch: Erik holding fieldglasses in "Russia" (bins)
[personal profile] mrkinch
I birded this trail yesterday because it had been more than a week since the last time, and I birded it again today because it's my birthday (80!). I was on the first rise well before dawn and had a very good morning. There were at least as many Warblers as yesterday, everyone singing. I heard a Ruby-crowned Kinglet for the first time in a week or so, probably just passing through. I even saw two raptors, a pair of Red-tailed Hawks and a Cooper's Hawk perched in a huge snag with prey. I had hoped for a MacGillivray's Warbler, they used to arrive just about now, though last year they did not and I didn't see or hear one today. What I did hear was a Lazuli Bunting right where I expect them but a little early. He sang continuously while I watched the Warblers in the Willows and Bay tree, and I was able to find him clinging to a tall stalk down slope a bit. That was the highlight, indeed! The list: )

No Blue-gray Gnatcatcher or White-crowned Sparrow today.:( I expect the WCSP has left but I hope the BGGN will show themselves another day.

some Arizona and Utah vacationing

Apr. 8th, 2026 03:59 pm
ilanarama: me, The Other Half, Moab UT 2009 (Default)
[personal profile] ilanarama
Winter in Durango was a bust this year; we got in one ski day, which was okay but not great, and although we were able to do much more mountain biking than usual in northern NM, on the trail systems about an hour's drive away - these are, well, an hour's drive away. (The Durango trails tend to get some snow and therefore be muddy in the winter, though by late February we were still able to ride on some that had melted out early.) As a result, we started plotting a van camping trip to Arizona and Utah to get some more riding in. Because of Britt's knee replacement last year and my own back issues, we hadn't done a van camping trip in a while, so we felt we were about due! Sedona, Scottsdale, Kanab )

last camp
starandrea: (Default)
[personal profile] starandrea
The dahlias are 6 inches tall on a 14-inch shelf, with a 23-inch replacement shelf available below them. They are five weeks old with five weeks to go until the frost-free date. At this rate I think we might make it. v

picture )

The cannas, on the other hand, are apparently growing roots instead of greenery. Very sensible! They are two weeks old and still only an inch of growth showing above the soil. This is, dare I say, very sustainable. I do not have enough soil or space to pot all of them, but I might pot a few more to give them a head start on May. v

picture )

More seedlings have appeared! Here they are on their way upstairs to the sun. v

picture )

And here I am, sunning them and my dog at the same time. v

picture )

In conclusion, some mini-daffodils. v

picture )

第五年第八十八天

Apr. 9th, 2026 06:40 am
nnozomi: (Default)
[personal profile] nnozomi posting in [community profile] guardian_learning
部首
水 part 20
液, liquid; 凉, cool; 淋, wet pinyin )
https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?cdqrad=85

语法
3.20 不但...而且 ~~~ (not just...but also ~~~)
https://www.digmandarin.com/hsk-3-grammar

词汇
安检, security check (short for 安全检查); 安排, to arrange; 晚安, good night pinyin )
https://mandarinbean.com/new-hsk-4-word-list/

Guardian:
外面天多凉啊,上车吧, it's getting cool outside, get in the car
赵处也没给安排什么任务, Chief Zhao didn't plan any tasks for me

Me:
那陪我淋的雨,一幕幕都是你🎶
他不但人很好,而且工作也有东西。

Project 52

Apr. 8th, 2026 05:39 pm
mrs_sweetpeach: (Default)
[personal profile] mrs_sweetpeach
Click here for Week #14 )

... whoops

Apr. 8th, 2026 10:39 pm
kaberett: Trans symbol with Swiss Army knife tools at other positions around the central circle. (Default)
[personal profile] kaberett

Things I thought would be fine: continuing to use the coffee table as an ersatz bench while I try to source a proper one at less-than-new prices.

THINGS THAT WERE NOT FINE: guess.

(I am unharmed! The coffee table is... not. The previous session was fine!!! ... the previous session was 10-20lb lower in terms of what I was lifting.)

special interest within )

What I'm Doing Wednesday

Apr. 8th, 2026 03:52 pm
sage: the words "We the People" in purple on a white field with a crowd of protesters in silhouette below. (We The People)
[personal profile] sage
gnu MinoanMiss/RubyNye's Online Memorial
Go here to sign up & get the zoom link to Ny's Memorial for this Sunday, April 12th at 1pm EDT. I'll be there & I hope you will, too.

books
The Oil Kings: How the U.S., Iran, and Saudi Arabia Changed the Balance of Power in the Middle East by Andrew Scott Cooper. 2011. Edition with the 2015 preface. Not great, but some interesting details of the Nixon-Ford years.

The Fall of Heaven: The Pahlavis and the Final Days of Imperial Iran by Andrew Scott Cooper. 2016. Utterly misleading title. By and large, this is NOT HISTORY. This is a fawning, one-sided biography of the Pahlavi family. I mean, I'm sympathetic to Farah and the kids, but there's no need to write an apologia for the shah's actions. :(((

Decoding Iran’s Foreign Policy: Strategic Interests, Power and Influence by Ross Harrison. 2025. I'm just sitting here wondering what it would be like to have a president who's smart enough to read books like this one. It's been a while.

currently reading: Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq by Stephen Kinzer. 2006. Imperialism is so gross.

yarning
Made the mushroom. Got the blue bunny put together and both in the mail. Waiting for more sales. Need to resume social media self-plugging. Here's something cute: Kitten Academy kittens doing a Statler & Waldorf on their mother's kickbunny:


healthcrap
Had Botox for migraines Friday. Usual doc wasn't there, and I couldn't recall the alterations we make to the standard protocol, so we'll see how this round works in their absence. Major cold front with torrential rain came in Friday night and knocked me flat for days. Had a much belated allergy shot Monday, which knocked me flat again.

#resist
I am utterly furious at the orange menace, Netanyahu, and their toadies.
May 1: No Kings 4 + general strike.

#astrology
Mars enters Aries on May 10, completing a major traffic jam of planets in Aries, sign of war, which has me exceptionally worried. Praying for peace.

I hope all of y'all are doing well and staying safe and sane and healthy. <333

Post-Deadline Pinch Hits

Apr. 8th, 2026 10:39 pm
extrapenguin: Picture of the Horsehead Nebula, with the horse wearing a hat and the text "MOD". (ssmod)
[personal profile] extrapenguin posting in [community profile] space_swap
We still have 4 post-deadline pinch hits available!

Due Fri 10 Apr 17:00 CEST (in your timezone | countdown) negotiable. To claim, comment on this post with your AO3 username and the pinch hit you want to claim.

PDPH #1: Claimed!

PDPH #3: Phantasy Star, Star Ocean: Till the End of Time, Live a Live, Infinite Space, Legend of the Galactic Heroes )


PDPH #5: Claimed!

PDPH #6: Claimed!
kat_lair: (GEN - bloom where you're planted)
[personal profile] kat_lair
***

Title: Thaw
Author:[personal profile] kat_lair
Fandom: The Professionals
Pairing: Bodie/Doyle
Tags: Drabble, Spring
Rating: G
Word count: 100

Summary: Everything is dripping

Author notes: Spring defiance from under the crushing forces of capitalism = a drabble a day in April. This one for [personal profile] kitarella_imagines who wanted some Bodie/Doyle.

Thaw on AO3

Thaw )

***

glitteryv: (Default)
[personal profile] glitteryv
Among the things that BTS has mentioned here and there in interviews is how part of their return to the Kpop world as a unit doesn't mean that they're gonna be wearing flashy clothes or sporting wild looks. This statement seemed truth at first: BTS wearing sailor outfits was the most 'out there' style in the official MV for "SWIM", after all.

But then, for "2.0", they wore 'old', i.e. late 90s, clothes at the start of that video and then a more modern wardrobe.

For "Hooligan", a 3rd (and v. happy surprise) MV from the album, BTS has gone into a hyperfashion that's black leather, post-apocalyptic, futurist, warrior-like... AND EYELINER. Which is part of their ancient lore and v. early eras. (All men lie...) 🤣

I was SHOOOOOOOOOOOKETH TO THE CORE from the v. second Jin appears onscreen to the end credits, LOLsob. And so was everyone else. The song was already KILLA and this MV elevated an already fantastic song to a tremendously awesome level, NGL.

Trigger warnings: this MV has a ton of visual f/x including: strobe and flashing lights, fast cuts, distortion effects, super-imposed images, shaky cam. IF YOU HAVE ANY KIND OF LIGHT SENSITIVITY, PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF IF YOU WATCH THIS!




Aaaand, shortly after airing on Netflix, the company's own YT channel uploaded this full performance of "Hooligan" from their comeback special. Same warnings of flashing lights, camera cuts, etc apply here



ETA: Some hours after I posted this whole thing, Netflix Korea dropped the dress rehearsal for "Hooligans" perforamnce:

Naruto: What Brings Us Together

Apr. 8th, 2026 09:37 pm
sasheneskywalker: (Default)
[personal profile] sasheneskywalker posting in [community profile] fancake
Fandom: Naruto
Pairings/Characters: Senju Tobirama/Uchiha Madara
Rating: Mature
Length: 6,014 words
Creator Links: [archiveofourown.org profile] Askerian
Theme: forced marriage, arranged marriage, asexual & demisexual characters

Summary: "Oh," Izuna said -- delicately, while studiously reading his folder, "I'm afraid we need someone with a ... strong personality for Naohime."

"Why's that?" Hashirama replied, just as painfully polite.

The daimyo's mediator kept watching them and scratching little pointy words in his notebook.

"Because if your man doesn't prove that he's dangerous and has the personality to use it on her if she pushes him, it's going to turn abusive," Madara drawled.

Hashirama stared at him for a blank second. The daimyo's envoy stopped writing; even his stone-faced Aburame bodyguard arched her eyebrows over her darkened spectacles.

Tobirama stretched out across the table without another word to take back one of the folders Izuna had spread around him.

--

The daimyo is over the whole Uchiha/Senju war. They're going to become one people if they know what's good for them.

Madara hates it enough without having to marry a woman too.

Reccer's Notes: Fun oneshot! Hot, with a really interesting relationship dynamic, and I also love how it touches on gray asexuality <3

Fanwork Links: What Brings Us Together
[syndicated profile] siriareads_feed

Posted by siria

AU - Only Liam Bhatt would try to pick up a guy on the train and end up in the ER.

Write Every Day April 2026 - Day 8

Apr. 8th, 2026 10:23 am
carenejeans: (Default)
[personal profile] carenejeans
Quote of the Day:

Sometimes you have to go on when you don't feel like it, and sometimes you're doing good work when it feels like all you're managing is to shovel shit from a sitting position.

— Stephen King


My Check-In:

Alibi sentence. I've been doing some adulting, mostly because another member of the family isn't. Sigh


Tally
Days 1-6 )

Day 7: [personal profile] annavere, [personal profile] badly_knitted, [personal profile] carenejeans, [personal profile] china_shop, [personal profile] cornerofmadness, [personal profile] dswdiane, [personal profile] luzula, [personal profile] ofmonstrouswords, [personal profile] sanguinity, [personal profile] sylvanwitch, [personal profile] the_siobhan, [personal profile] trobadora, [personal profile] ysilme


Let me know if I missed you, or if you wrote but didn't check in yet. And remember, you can join in at any time!
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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

Oh. So they’re doing a whole logo-branding thing. How disappointing. If you’re just joining us, shame on you for being late, but yesterday we noted that Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, despite the former being a non-fashion girl and the latter having a nearly impeccable red carpet history, seem to have adopted a Zoolander-esque “Let’s dress in high-fashion clown clothes” approach for the press tour for The Devil Wears Prada 2. It would also appear, based on these outfits and the ones they wore yesterday, that they’re taking a Wicked/Barbie approach of restricting their outfit colors to the film’s branding: red, white and black.

 

We hate that they’re taking such a gimmicky approach to the fashion when this is one of the most fashion-oriented IPs of the past fifty years. Meryl looks great, but she shouldn’t have to sport team colors. Also, that belt does nothing for her outfit. Anne’s top is fun, but she’s got her pants on backwards.

 

Style Credits:
Meryl Streep: Custom Prada Red Ensemble with Belt | David Yurman Jewelry | Sole Bliss Shoes
Styled by Micaela Erlanger

Anne Hathaway: Vaquera Ensemble from the Spring 2026 Couture Collection | Bulgari Jewelry
Styled by Erin Walsh

 

ABOUT THE MOVIE:
Twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation. The film is directed by David Frankel, written by Aline Brosh McKenna, produced by Wendy Finerman, and executive produced by Michael Bederman, Karen Rosenfelt and Aline Brosh McKenna.
Cast: Meryl Streep (Miranda), Anne Hathaway (Andy), Emily Blunt (Emily), Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Simone Ashley, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak, Conrad Ricamora, Tracie Thoms, Tibor Feldman, with Kenneth Branagh and Stanley Tucci (Nigel).

 

[Photo Credit: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images – Video Credit: 20th Century Studios/YouTube]

The post Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway at THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 Seoul Press Conference appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

Horror, a KDD, & More

Apr. 8th, 2026 03:30 pm
[syndicated profile] smartbitches_feed

Posted by Amanda

Deal with the Devil

Deal with the Devil by Kit Rocha is $2.99! Sneezy reviewed this one and gave it a B:

Despite my confusion regarding some of the worldbuilding, the characters and their relationships are developed beautifully, and the entire story thrummed with the sort of vitality that you can only get from a post-apocalyptic road trip with suped-up BAMFs. I can’t rave enough about the emotional literacy this book is built on, which I find incredibly catnippy.

Orphan Black meets the post-apocalyptic Avengers in the vein of Ilona Andrews’ Hidden Legacy series by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author duo Kit Rocha

The United States went belly up 45 years ago when our power grid was wiped out. Too few live in well-protected isolation while the rest of us scrape by on the margins. The only thing that matters is survival. By any means. At any cost.

Nina is an information broker with a mission: to bring hope to the darkest corners of Atlanta. She and her team of mercenary librarians use their knowledge to help those in need. But altruism doesn’t pay the bills—raiding vaults and collecting sensitive data is where the real money is.

Knox is a bitter, battle-weary supersoldier who leads the Silver Devils, an elite strike squad that chose to go AWOL rather than slaughter innocents. Before the Devils leave town for good, they need a biochem hacker to stabilize the experimental implants that grant their superhuman abilities.

The problem? Their hacker’s been kidnapped. And the ransom for her return is Nina. Knox has the perfect bait for a perfect trap: a lost Library of Congress server. The data could set Nina and her team up for years…

If they live that long.

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

The Boyfriend Project

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon is $1.99! Maya reviewed this one and wasn’t quite sold on the hero. However, if you’ve been waiting for this to go on sale, now’s the time to grab it!

USA Today bestselling author Farrah Rochon launches a new series about three young women who become friends when the live Tweeting of a disastrous date leads them to discover they’ve all been duped by the same man.

Samiah Brooks never thought she would be “that” girl. But a live tweet of a horrific date just revealed the painful truth: she’s been catfished by a three-timing jerk of a boyfriend. Suddenly Samiah-along with his two other “girlfriends,” London and Taylor — have gone viral online. Now the three new besties are making a pact to spend the next six months investing in themselves. No men, no dating, and no worrying about their relationship status . . .

For once Samiah is putting herself first, and that includes finally developing the app she’s always dreamed of creating. Which is the exact moment she meets the deliciously sexy, honey-eyed Daniel Collins at work. What are the chances? When it comes to love, there’s no such thing as a coincidence. But is Daniel really boyfriend material or is he maybe just a little too good to be true?

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

Dreadful

Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis is $1.99 and a Kindle Daily Deal! The description of this one sounds really interesting. I also know the comparisons to T. Kingfisher and Travis Baldree may make some of you perk up.

The New York Times-bestselling sharp-witted, debut high fantasy farce featuring killer moat squid, toxic masculinity, evil wizards and a garlic festival – all at once. Perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher, K. J. Parker and Travis Baldree.

It’s bad enough waking up in a half-destroyed evil wizard’s workshop with no eyebrows, no memories, and no idea how long you have before the Dread Lord Whomever shows up to murder you horribly and then turn your skull into a goblet or something.

It’s a lot worse when you realize that Dread Lord Whomever is… you.

Gav isn’t really sure how he ended up with a castle full of goblins, or why he has a princess locked in a cell. All he can do is play along with his own evil plan in hopes of getting his memories back before he gets himself killed.

But as he realizes that nothing – from the incredibly tasteless cloak adorned with flames to the aforementioned princess – is quite what it seems, Gav must face up to all the things the Dread Lord Gavrax has done. And he’ll have to answer the hardest question of all – who does he want to be?

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

The Luminous Dead

The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling is $1.99! This is sci-fi horror that both Elyse and I were excited about. It has a queer lead and definitely heightens feelings of claustrophobia. Personally, I wanted to be scared a bit more.

A thrilling, atmospheric debut with the intensive drive of The Martian and Gravity and the creeping dread of Annihilation, in which a caver on a foreign planet finds herself on a terrifying psychological and emotional journey for survival.

When Gyre Price lied her way into this expedition, she thought she’d be mapping mineral deposits, and that her biggest problems would be cave collapses and gear malfunctions. She also thought that the fat paycheck—enough to get her off-planet and on the trail of her mother—meant she’d get a skilled surface team, monitoring her suit and environment, keeping her safe. Keeping her sane.

Instead, she got Em.

Em sees nothing wrong with controlling Gyre’s body with drugs or withholding critical information to “ensure the smooth operation” of her expedition. Em knows all about Gyre’s falsified credentials, and has no qualms using them as a leash—and a lash. And Em has secrets, too . . .

As Gyre descends, little inconsistencies—missing supplies, unexpected changes in the route, and, worst of all, shifts in Em’s motivations—drive her out of her depths. Lost and disoriented, Gyre finds her sense of control giving way to paranoia and anger. On her own in this mysterious, deadly place, surrounded by darkness and the unknown, Gyre must overcome more than just the dangerous terrain and the Tunneler which calls underground its home if she wants to make it out alive—she must confront the ghosts in her own head.

But how come she can’t shake the feeling she’s being followed?

Add to Goodreads To-Read List →

You can find ordering info for this book here.

 

 

 

[syndicated profile] tomlorenzo_feed

Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

Those crazy nihilistic kids are back for another round as the cast of Euphoria — several of which have seen their careers explode in the last few years — got together for the third season premiere. Shall we assess their style efforts? Just for shits and giggles? Yes. Let’s do that.

 

Alanna Ubach

We’re going to be happy when this bubble skirt trend ends. We don’t mind them, but they’re hard to style. Those sandals are a terrible choice and the ruffle at the hem looks silly.

 

Alexa Demie in Archival Bob Mackie

Nothing wrong with that. Love the competing stripes.

 

Anna Van Patten in Balenciaga

Meh. If you have access to Balenciaga, why would you pick a strapless nun’s habit?

 

Bella Podaras

Shrug. The skirt’s nice.

 

Chloe Cherry in Saint Laurent

That is some Michael’s craft store sales bin fabric. You just can’t make that print look chic. And the shoes clash terribly.

 

Danielle Deadwyler in Balenciaga

We’re all for color, but none of these colors coordinate well. The dress is interesting but it sure doesn’t need opera gloves.

 

Darrell Britt-Gibson

That’s a Nana jacket.

 

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

This is pretty cute. We haven’t suddenly changed our minds about black lace, but this feels fresh.

 

Homer Gere

That’s too generic and forgettable.

 

 

Hunter Schafer in Roberto Cavalli

It’s a stunner of a gown and we love how it transitions to sheer at the bottom, but gold isn’t the best choice for her coloring.

 

Jacob Elordi in Bottega Veneta

No arguments here. He does love himself some dainty shoes, doesn’t he?

 

Jessica Blair Herman

AI dress.

 

Maude Apatow in Celine

Very cute, but again, no one knows what shoes to pick for these skirts. You either go for a naked sandal or a basic pump, we think. Anything that draws the eye to your feet is going to look unbalanced.

 

Natasha Lyonne in Mugler

Girl what the fuck.

 

Sydney Sweeney in Archival Pierre Cardin

We don’t love the dress, but we think it would be better without the cape. Not that we’re in love with the crotchbow or the neckline, but the cape obscures too much of it.

 

Zendaya in Ashi Studio

As always, it’s dramatically chic, but we hate how thin the bodice is.

 

 

[Photo Credit: Faye’s Vision/Cover Images]

The post Red Carpet Rundown: EUPHORIA Season 3 Los Angeles Premiere appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

march booklog

Apr. 8th, 2026 04:28 pm
wychwood: Zelenka is worried because the city is in danger and McKay is winning at Tetris (SGA - Zelenka Weir Tetris)
[personal profile] wychwood
42. The Return of Fitzroy Angursell - Victoria Goddard ) I really liked this one - both as a view of his history and of his life as he steps away from being emperor. I'd like to re-read it and then follow up with the relevant parts of At the Feet of the Sun to see how they fit together, too.


43. Mountains of Fire - Clive Oppenheimer ) An interesting book; more human-focussed than I was expecting, but not in a bad way.


44. Something Human - AJ Demas ) Not my favourite Demas, but this was still pretty good.


45. Strange Houses - Uketsu ) The first book was weird in a fun way; this was mostly just weird, in the sense that even the characters that weren't supposed to be involved in creepiness are stranger than seemed at all reasonable.


46. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain ) Still relatively fun, though full of more horrible things than I'd remembered.


47. Irresponsible Adult - Lucy Dillon ) I can't quite call this a soothing read when Robyn starts out making so many mistakes, but it was satisfying and enjoyable.


48. Windmaster's Bane - Tom Deitz ) Not a bad example of its kind.


49. The Anglo-Saxons - Marc Morris ) A good survey of what we know about the basic history - kings and whatnot - of the era.


50. The Anthropocene Reviewed - John Green ) A delightful collection of extremely random reviews.


51. A Tempest of Tea - Hafsah Faizal ) Maybe it's just me, but I thought this was terrible.


52. The Raven Scholar - Antonia Hodgson ) I just don't understand why any of the half-decent folk would stay.


53. James - Percival Everett ) I still don't think I really know what Everett wanted to do with this book, but I'm not at all sure it worked.


54. Moonstorm - Yoon Ha Lee ) Normally I love Lee's writing, but this just didn't quite work for me somehow.


55. Slow Horses - Mick Herron ) Well-done, but I'm just not going to be a spy fan.


56. The Republic of Salt - Ariel Kaplan ) I really thought this volume was going to actually finish the immediate story; more fool me.


57. Faerie Queene vol 1 - Edmund Spenser ) The first part of this was genuinely fun, but all of the moral / religious underpinnings are so confused. Interested to see where volume 2 goes.


58. Swordcrossed - Freya Marske ) This does a good job of earning the resolution; I enjoyed it.


59. Chalet School Reunion - Elinor M Brent-Dyer ) A fun chance to see various early pupils twenty years down the line.


60. Couple Goals - Kit Williams ) Cute sports romance! With a sapphic relationship as well as a het one.
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Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

Oprah came to the Late Show to pay her respects to retiring host Stephen Colbert in the only way that made any sense to her: by switching places and interviewing him.

 

That’s super cute and we have to assume that any talk show host would consider such a gesture to be just about the highest honor they could receive. But we’re very shallow sorts, so we’re more interested in the other super-cute thing going on here. Oprah’s in a Canadian tuxedo, y’all:

 

 

And she looks pretty spectacular in it. Those jeans look fantastic on her and we bet she has several pairs of them, but it’s that denim blouse that makes the look. It’s got a cute shape to it and the gold chains dress it up in a very Oprah sort of way. We have no notes. She looks great.

 

 

 

 

 

Style Credits:
Chloé High-neck Gathered Jacket in Denim
Kavant & Sharart Earrings
Chloé ‘Paddington’ Bag

 

[Photo Credit: Janet Mayer/INSTARimages.com, Scott Kowalchyk/CBS, chloe.com]

The post Oprah in Chloé on THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

T LOunge for April 8th 2026

Apr. 8th, 2026 01:14 pm
[syndicated profile] tomlorenzo_feed

Posted by Lorenzo Marquez

1927 Cocktail Lounge and The Georgia Bar – Vancouver, Canada

It’s WEDNESDAY and we are happy to report that the world is still here. Messy, loud and disaster-prone, but still spinning nonetheless. Let’s hunker down today in a bunker where the sun never shines.

 

Jane Don’t Made ‘Drag Race’ History. Then She Let Her Guard Down.
Season 18’s eliminated frontrunner talks about getting tear-gassed in Seattle, crying when she won too much — and why being a robbed queen might be best.

On the night her elimination aired, Jane Don’t was in Las Vegas. She was performing at a local gay nightclub, Piranha, co-hosted by a queen who didn’t know what was coming. The audience didn’t know either. Jane knew. She’d known for a year.
“Watching it back was probably the worst part,” she says now, calling in via Zoom from Seattle, a hoodie tugged down over her forehead, her cat climbing into frame. She’s been home for three days — a rare stretch of stillness in what has become a suddenly very loud life. The consistent odds-on favorite to win this season’s crown, the drag queen from Spokane, Washington, is still very clearly processing her startling elimination in the improv challenge that would prove her undoing.

 

The Best Reality TV Shows to Watch Right Now, According To Your Mood
Here are all our favorite series, neatly categorized for your ease.

From The Bachelor to Real Housewives, the best reality TV shows truly run the gamut. Some shows are searing, some strange, some silly. If you’re looking for something to put on in the background while you work, or to keep you company during an afternoon alone, there’s honestly nothing better.
But not every show suits every mood. If you’re on a deadline, don’t get distracted by drama. And if you’re feeling happy, you do not want to get bummed out by heartbreak. Luckily, there’s something out there for every feeling, and we’ve gathered up our favorite reality TV shows and sorted them by mood for your browsing pleasure.

 

Lisa Eldridge, Sam McKnight, Bobbi Brown and Adam Reed on Beauty’s Most Iconic Moments
The products and moments that made modern beauty

When it comes to throwback beauty trends, these makeup and hair doyennes don’t just remember them—they pioneered them, sculpting decade-defining looks we continue to emulate today. Having spent years commanding the industry’s front line, they’ve witnessed trends surge, collapse, and resurface, sometimes repeatedly. Here, we posed four simple but definitive questions to them about the moments that revolutionised beauty—and the ones we may soon find ourselves longing for.

 

The Testaments‘ Lucy Halliday: ‘I want people to be disgusted by scenes in the show’
She sat down with Glamour to talk the chilling parallels of the series’ dystopian story with real-life attacks on women’s bodies.

In stark contrast to the white robes she dons to play Daisy in The Handmaid’s Tale sequel series The Testaments, when Glamour meets Lucy Halliday at London’s Raffles Hotel she is dressed in all black, her top and trousers peppered with sparkles.
“I’m just trying to catch the attention of every light,” she tells me, describing the moment she discovered she’d been cast as “snarky” Daisy in The Testaments as “sheer joy”.
The much-awaited series adapted from Margaret Atwood’s 2019 sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, sees two young women from very different worlds join together to resist Gilead’s repressive regime. One Battle After Another’s Chase Infiniti plays Agnes, and we see her life changed forever by the arrival of Halliday’s Daisy, who infiltrates Gilead after her own life is destroyed by the regime’s violence.

 

What’s Old Is New Again—The Beauty Trends Staging A Return
Updated formulas, fresh relevance and a loyal new following

In unsettling times, we naturally reach for things that bring us comfort. From rewatching your favourite TV show for the 36th time, to cosying up in an old sweatshirt that has aged with you—each wear softer, more enveloping than the last. There’s a reassurance with the familiar. Nostalgia, then, becomes the most direct route to feeling grounded.
It’s perhaps no surprise that this instinct has found its way into our beauty routines. In an industry that thrives on innovation and the thrill of the new, a growing number of consumers are looking back and rediscovering beauty heroes from the past.

 

The Invite: Everything We Know About Olivia Wilde’s New Sex Comedy
Edward Norton, Penélope Cruz, and Seth Rogen also star.

After an excellent start with Booksmart, Olivia Wilde’s directing career hit a bit of a snag with the Don’t Worry Darling. The Invite, however, looks good enough to make us forget all about the thriller’s behind-the-scenes drama, as Wilde returns to the world of comedy with a smart, sexy, twisty take on modern relationships cowritten by Rashida Jones.
The cast? Stacked. The premise? Unclear. The sexual tension? Off the charts. Here’s everything we know about The Invite…

 

Forget Bags and Shoes—This Celine Belt Makes Every Outfit Look That Little Bit Cooler
And its very hard to get hold of

Scroll through any street style gallery or spend five minutes on Instagram, and one thing’s certain: Celine’s latest leather belt is everywhere. The accessory was first spotted on the runway at Michael Rider’s debut Resort 2026 show back in July last year and since arriving in store has been in high demand.
An instant hit among fashion insiders, the statement belt featuring a large medallion shaped buckle with Celine logo, pays homage to the fashion house’s historic former headquarters at the Hôtel Colbert de Torcy.

 

The Original American Girl Dolls Are All Coming Back
The eight historical characters are coming back to stores to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary.

Wake up, millennial women—it’s our time. The original American Girl dolls are all coming back to stores this spring in a new launch, the brand tells Glamour exclusively.
Yes, I mean every single historical character we grew up with in the ’90s and ’00s, even our redheaded horse girl queen Felicity Merriman, who hasn’t been available since 2021. She joins the seven other original dolls whom the brand is celebrating in honor of its 40th anniversary this year: Addy Walker, Josefina Montoya, Kirsten Larson, Kaya, Kit Kittredge, Molly McIntire, and Samantha Parkington.
Founded in 1986, the company first debuted with three original American Girl dolls: 1840s Swedish immigrant Kirsten, Progressive Era Samantha, and World War II–era Molly. They were followed by Felicity, Addy, and Josefina in the ’90s and the rest in the early ’00s.

 

Short on Time? These Spring Co-Ords Will Make Everyday Style Effortless
These are the best sets to shop now and wear everywhere—from work to weekends and even the beach

“Easy outfits” is almost always a top search term on Pinterest and Google—proof that, while fashion can be incredibly fun, most days we simply want to get out of the door looking great with minimal effort. Enter Spring co-ords: the secret to easy dressing.
The beauty of a matching set lies in the minimal thought required to style it, and recent seasons prove that co-ord sets now span far more than simple top and trouser combinations.

 

Sunny Days Ahead! 3 Perfumes Our Editors Are Reaching For To Smell Fresh, Bright And Joyful Now
From coastal breeze scents to luminous sunshine notes.

As the first rays of springtime sunshine begin flooding through our curtains, the cue to switch up those seasonal perfume picks becomes instantly apparent. That’s right: our beauty editors are no longer reaching for the cosy, soothing scents that brought us comfort in the brisk winter chills. In fact, these cocooning fragrances suddenly feel entirely out of place as April’s sunny optimism sets in, and we find ourselves drawn to light, happy, breezy scents that remind us brighter days are ahead.

 

‘I Went Barbie Blonde And Everyone Treated Me Differently’: A Beauty Editor’s Dramatic Hair Transformation
Beauty writer Katie Withington dives into the ever-present stereotypes around women and hair colour.

Weeks ahead of my hair appointment, a gut feeling set in that life as I knew it was about to change. Now, I know how shallow and fickle that sounds, especially in the wider context of the world right now. The idea that, with a few foils and a stranger’s hair glued onto my head (perhaps a less glamorous description of hair extensions, and one that certainly makes the stomach turn, but true nonetheless), my experience of moving through the world would shift entirely seems ridiculous, not to mention totally self-indulgent. The switch from a mousy brown bob to long butter blonde lengths is hardly a reinvention of the beauty wheel.

 

‘The Other Bennet Sister’ Is Our Next Period-Drama Obsession: Here’s How to Watch
The cozy British series about the overlooked middle sister from Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ hits streaming in the U.S. soon.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a new Jane Austen adaptation must top the watchlist of any historical romance fan. Among the many projects making their way to screens this year—including Netflix’s Pride & Prejudice and the Daisy Edgar-Jones-starring Sense and Sensibility film—I’m most excited for an entirely new take on an unexpected Austen heroine, courtesy of The Other Bennet Sister.
Based on Janice Hadlow’s beloved novel of the same name, The Other Bennet Sister moves Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy to the background, instead focusing on Mary (Ella Bruccoleri), the plain-faced, book-loving middle child of the family. As her sisters focus on romance (and the events of the source novel), Mary leaves Longbourn for London to find her own purpose in the world. Of course, her journey of self-discovery could lead to an epic love story of her own.

 

The 10 Best BIAB Manicures For Spring, From Soap Nails To Soft Ombré
Mood-lifting manicures that strengthen your nails.

There was once a compromise that came with getting regular manicures, which meant that brittleness, a weakened nail bed and potential damage was often the price to pay for a set of ultra-shiny gels. Thanks to the arrival of BIAB nails, however, you no longer have to choose between nail health and nail art.
‘BIAB bridges the gap between natural nail care and long-lasting enhancements. Compared to regular gel, it offers more strength and structure — ideal for those prone to breakage or wanting to grow their nails out,’ shares Giorgia Cappella, the Head of Education & Spa at The GelBottle Inc. ‘Unlike acrylics, BIAB doesn’t require harsh chemicals or heavy filing, making it a gentler option that supports natural nail health over time. It’s the best of both worlds: strong, beautiful nails with minimal damage,’ she shares.

 

What Color Should Raw Steak Be? A Butcher Explains What Actually Matters
Bright red hues aren’t always better.

When you’re deciding which steak to spend your hard-earned money on at the grocery store, how do you pick a particular piece of meat? If you ask your butcher for the cherry-red cut in the display case or if you pick out the most vividly hued steak in the meat department, you’re not alone.
A 2025 study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Food and Humanity found that consumers associate bright red beef with freshness and quality and that shoppers tend to dismiss cuts with brown coloring. But it turns out that color isn’t always the best indicator of freshness and flavor. Meat showcasing a range of colors can taste great, and freshly cut beef is actually darker than the bright red steaks you might pick out at the meat counter.

 

Kate Middleton’s Former Aide Reveals “Frustrating” Part of Her Royal Role
Natasha Archer left Kensington Palace this past July after 15 years of service.

Kate Middleton’s former aide Natasha Archer is opening up about her time at Kensington Palace roughly nine months after her resignation this past July. The admin expert, who has long been credited for putting together some of the princess’s most show-stopping looks, doesn’t want her legacy to be limited to just fashion.
“I often get referred to as a stylist, and it’s quite frustrating,” she recently told The Telegraph. “There are a lot of other things that came with my role…I’m not a traditional stylist; I’m looking at everything. Even admin support. I feel like it’s a unique talent that I can bring to specific people.”

 

The 118 Best Met Gala Looks of All Time
Every year, the Met Gala is where celebrities ascend to style icon status.
On the first Monday in May, celebrities don’t just walk the red carpet: They climb the steps of the Metropolitan Museum in custom gowns and statement couture, presenting their interpretation of the exhibition’s theme to the entire world. Unlike an awards show or a premiere, the goal isn’t to shine for a moment—it’s to create a look that resonates for decades. Despite the wealth of designer gowns and bespoke suits, few accomplish that feat, but those who do earn themselves a place in fashion history.
The greatest hits—Rihanna’s papal chic, Kate Moss’s golden turban, Sarah Jessica Parker’s tartan Alexander McQueen, Erykah Badu’s glittering top hat, Madonna in a hippie caftan—rank among the best outfits ever to be worn. And their charms wouldn’t have been as compelling on another night. After all, the gala encourages the kind of innovation rarely seen elsewhere.

 

How to Plant a Leftover Pineapple Top and Grow an Endless Supply of Delicious Fruit
You can grow a fresh pineapple from the one you bought at the grocery store.

You can grow a pineapple from its crown—yes, really. So before you toss that spiky top in the trash, consider giving it a second life as your very own tropical plant. With a bit of patience, this simple project can turn into something surprisingly rewarding (and delicious).
Ready to try it yourself? We asked gardening experts to share exactly how to grow a pineapple from a store-bought fruit—from rooting the crown to harvesting your homegrown prize.

 

How Often You Should Be Cleaning Your Walls and Baseboards, According to Experts
A schedule that keeps things spotless.

Nothing freshens a room up quite like sparkling baseboards and walls. But these spots are sneaky magnets for dirt, dust, and grime, especially if you don’t stay on top of your regular cleaning schedule. Figuring out how often to clean them can feel tricky, similar to many other household chores that fall by the wayside (looking at you, dryer vent cleaning).
To get the inside scoop on all things walls and baseboards, we chatted with two cleaning experts who revealed the ideal cleaning frequency. They also shared their specific routines that keep walls and trim clean, as well as the most common mistakes they see homeowners make.

 

This Spanish City Offers 320 Days of Sun, Tapas Bars, and a Magical Vibe—All Without Breaking the Bank
Granada is one of the jewels of Spain’s Andalusia region.

Granada is about as captivating a city as they come. Sitting at the base of the Sierra Nevada in Spain’s Andalusia region, this ancient metropolis has seen thousands of years of history, which lives on its grand architecture, from medieval Moorish castles to Baroque churches. Add in over 320 days of sunshine a year, a delightful tapas scene, and that dramatic mountain backdrop, and you’ll see why this city dazzles all who visit.

 

This Greek Island Has Gorgeous Hiking Trails, a Butterfly Reserve, and Nearly Year-round Sunshine
Here’s where to eat, stay, and explore on the stunning island of Rhodes.

The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is a misunderstood slice of the Aegean. While it’s easily one of Greece’s most touristic islands thanks to its reputation as a nightlife hot spot, it’s also rich with history and cultural heritage in the Old Town. On top of that, you can explore glorious beaches, walk among butterflies in an enchanting reserve, hike on island trails, and soak in natural springs.

 

[Photo Credit: stemariestudio.com]

The post T LOunge for April 8th 2026 appeared first on Tom + Lorenzo.

just_ann_now: (Seasonal: Spring: New Leaves)
[personal profile] just_ann_now
Our temperature dropped down to 27 degrees overnight, but from what I can see, none of the garden flowers were adversely affected. Supposed to warm up again later in the week! This see-saw weather is getting very old, though.

What I Just Finished Reading

See-sawing here too, trying out books then discarding them. Thank goodness for Libby and Hoopla! In place of the horrible Intermezzo, I picked up Ann Patchett's Tom Lake, which was lovely and soothing and exactly what I needed right then. (For A to Z Authors.) In place of We the People, I read The Frozen People, by Elly Griffiths. This was a time-travel mystery with just excellent characters. There were lots of loose ends left, though, presumably for sequels. (For Keyword: People.) I also read Magpie Murders, by Anthony Horowitz, which was quite ingenious with its mystery-within-a-mystery. (A to Z Titles).

What I Am Currently Reading

Ditching We the People left me needing something for the Goodreads "Trending Books" challenge, so I picked up We Survived the Night, by Julian Brave Noisecat. I was afraid this was going to be a return to the grim, but it hasn't been like that (too much); lots of mythology and Coyote trickster tales woven in to the narrative.

What I Am Reading Next

My hold of The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende came in just this morning; this will be the last book for my Dreamwidth Book Bingo. I remember reading and loving this, oh, thirty-some years ago so it will be interesting to see how it lands on me this time.


Question of the day: Rereading! Well loved books? Books you weren't sure of once but are giving another chance? Books that you remember being affected by at some point in your life and want to check in with again?

(no subject)

Apr. 8th, 2026 09:18 am
aurumcalendula: gold, blue, orange, and purple shapes on a black background (Default)
[personal profile] aurumcalendula
I finally got a chance to catch up on To Embers We Return and Dragon Subjugation Incantation's most recently translated chapters! I'm really enjoying both of them and am looking foward to seeing how how their plots and romances continue to develop!

I'm a bit annoyed there hasn't (afaik) been any announcements yet from Seven Seas re: baihe licenses. I'm hoping Rosmei does a decent job with their two (they released inital volumes of The Creator's Grace and At the World's Mercy recently, but my order from Yiggybean won't arrive until sometime in May).

Last night I managed to get a full timeline for my ClaireBell fanvid draft! I'm not sure if it lives up to the song I chose, but I'm really happy with sections of it.

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