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sarakingdom

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Posts posted by sarakingdom

  1. 1 hour ago, juliebarkley said:

    My copy arrived a couple of days ago. It's titled Midnight Riot instead of Rivers of London, but FantasticFiction assures me that they are the same and they have never failed me yet. I'm confident that this will not matter for prize purposes.

     

    They are indeed the same book! You apparently have an American edition, rather than a British edition.

     

    This is excellent news. The definitely not magically inappropriate grape shears may be within my reach.

    • Like 1
  2. I have my final Rivers of London victim for the haunted biscuit tin on the cusp of reading, so I need to prepare my tin enchantment. The common thread between tomten and brownies and other Northern European housework elves is that they need to be paid in food, but despise gifts or thanks. So, basically, they want a job. I will be putting a magical "help wanted" ad in my biscuit tin with some basic job description and a salary range (mostly porridge, sometimes shared cookies), and it should be haunted in no time.

     

    After that, I have @juliebarkley, Snarky, and Tank on the someday list, which coincidentally is the number of readers I need for the next prize: Victorian grape shears that were definitely not used for an inappropriate magical purpose.

    • Like 3
  3. 7 minutes ago, Everstorm said:

    I know I need more fresh herbs in my diet, but I have a hard time imagining eating them by the handful.  I must need more training.

     

    It takes time to get past the "a single sprig of fresh basil costs $3" rationing stage, and into the "not only is it free, but it'll just go to waste if I don't eat it, and also I have ten thousand sprigs" stage. Then it becomes pretty easy to treat to as just another vegetable. I probably had the equivalent of $8 of basil in my eggs this morning. About as much oregano in the chili last night and twice as much basil and oregano the night before that. (which, to be fair, were both for many people, not just me). I've been eating these eggs once or twice a day for a week, and it's only now reaching the point, after twelve cups of basil in one week, where I'm looking at the basil plants and thinking I might need to cut back for a few days to let them catch up. Not stop, just... cut back slightly. Maybe $4 of basil for breakfast.

     

    Eating them in that quantity is easier if you put them in something cooked. At least wilted. They're pretty pungent when fresh picked, heat mellows them a bit. I was worried I might get complaints from the other people eating my cooking when I stepped up my herb game so radically, but so far, it's all been a hit.

     

    fresh basil GIF

    • Like 5
  4.  

    Quote

    "Back at my old school," [Nightingale] said, "during the summer term when it was light in the evenings." Younger boys would sneak off the grounds and into the adjacent woods, build a campfire, and see what they could attract in the way of the local supernatural. "Everybody did it. And the masters must have been aware. There could be see many as five campfires going in the woods on some nights."

     

    Each one, a group of boys from a different year. As they got older, the focus used to change, with the older boys drinking and smoking, and occasionally playing pranks on the younger.

     

    "Did it work?" I asked.

     

    "Oh, undoubtedly," said Nightingale. "Ballantine Junior and I once managed to induce the whole of 3B to wet themselves, by pretending to be werewolves. Matron was not pleased. And I was caned by the headmaster personally."

     

    Which was apparently a great honour, because the headmaster was known to have progressive views, and be against caning in principle.

     

    "I meant in attracting the supernatural," I said.

     

    Do not doubt the trolling experience of Thomas Nightingale. He's been doing it longer than most people. Over a century of trolling.

     

    Training Performance Report

     

    Officer: Sara Kingdom

    Date: 22/09/23

    Department: Special Assessment Unit

     

     

    Formae

     

    Daily

    Crura impello

     

    Bonus 

    Boxing practice

    Yoga 

    Visiting genii locorum

     


     

    Even Days

    Tabula scindere

    Orantes scindere

    Dorsum scindere recta, crux, obliquum & ramosa 

     

     

     

     

    Reminders

    Electrolytes

     


     

     

     

     

    Score:

     

     

     

    Magical Ritual

     

    Cast one circle a day

    Ground energy once a day

     

     

     

     

    Score: 

     

     

     

    Recovery

     

    2 hours training started before noon.

    6-8 hours sleep. In bed by midnight 

    Bonus: 6pm schedule check-in and support tasks

     

     

     

    Score:

     

     

     

    Silentium Mentis

     

    Mindfulness

    Metta

    Body Scan

     

     

     

    Score:

     

     

     

    Home Front Reintegration

     

    I'm afraid I'm out of touch with the modern resources on shell shock and nervous exhaustion and the like. Do one thing a day related to 'mental health' education or improvement.

     

     

     

    Score:

     

     

     

    Record Keeping

     

    Make a daily plan

    Journal practice

    Make a weekly and monthly plan

     

     

     

    Score:

     

     

     

    Space reserved for office use

     

    Date rec'd:

    Initialed by:

     

    Form ID: Zulu Foxtrot 18.C.68-v2-Jun-1977 (ZF.18.C.68/1977.06)

    (Supercedes form 64B from Nov 1932)

    For internal use only. Sensitive records. Not to leave the Folly.

     

    • Like 4
  5. 35 minutes ago, Scaly Freak said:

    I'm good for 50+ pages as long as the writing doesn't suck horrifically, but I really don't expect that here. I'll let you know when I crack it open -- I intend to finish Manners & Monsters  before starting a new series.

     

    I don't anticipate bad prose being a problem, no. It may not be the story or style you're in the mood for, and thus warrant putting down after a good college try, but the technique isn't gonna suck. That's pretty safe. :D

    • Like 2
  6. 31 minutes ago, Scaly Freak said:

    I have collected new reading material from the library.  :) 

     

     

    AIL4fc9vGPfv-0plzBAE-a18WXkM8oOBTwD3XT3BThkv08RqPyOBSEIzn3eT8mM23IEoqSl0lSDXwwiglRwfya0CnQDLofkC3dW3fZcxcg7kNj62WqxUs8GbZ9-dudC7k1rb3GRdJEHxO9CnYaSJpViEQpTvaN1FusGQtnNppL6Vwd44s0bYJL9xN__ShbWLCG0qsEtwuvDg6unHJuCBYxbirmOmDAR_iv0gy7FZYE91_CUpdjsW7HX7myDMPJ6IsXtxneQKKaeP9u1IhLXRrwZymFp34Omz7C1Rr16aHecD--1ht-OwvByWjNu6tKpmB1MsHi8hgev3fxMDJsw6AC4FBjtXGgQdDrAKMEm_irHHxvrXbSyPVVxgTYxXWh9VwTRzA8qttP0sKR6MfSbey92Etlg0iuYe9Z0OY72xUCpbVYB9_8mypkS6BrK0KRmiXH0vJUjifdRP_-XL3VYbhjPMczj14kw6D8MaJ_t0tb4xTAdm23cxERzIj37nT-yBdUUNcVBcezkNY97wu7Z7apQvAEDMagOZ8L6tbEygSQGt0liwnDP9L7iD4_K9XMrZQTdsFJnlYk_ESEkR3k4Ua-1Sd-NbWOYLvXx0-PSrrVQArEHRBu5_i9AGraUR1Td7TioKcPFG9DdHF50DoW1jY_zanxR6cv_xJN0XhZTPQxIaQZpxIiNA6SHV6kzfITMWaq7ZA_ryTynaC0XQUTVnwrTPdUkesNJ6rIJwlzHvDUq4Pf2c5G683YZkC7JIg454xv32S4RP6I0GKdEmQC5E43fgsjfDARZ_ZUM6y3FwMb1h5zDKMotvw6mm3AISF_oGNIDXwlbMWcP7Q8DpN4M006a5i7u_ZOs6E2QI7K5cniJRjZ9Pq5ODdeYfakrU6K0UxOIDg4Z6pi2MUxnz2Bk7ZoL8HT_J9WBCL7gx_KS8VZ6yxNoYnRtktGE4W6g4GzjL8RjtmAJi4P8ERgJc9xCsWDjLD8tiP3YHTn2YBw=w605-h1244-s-no?authuser=0

     

    Happy Cheering GIF by bluesbear

     

     

    33 minutes ago, Scaly Freak said:

    @sarakingdom, does this count towards the haunted biscuit tin, or do you need an update when I've started/finished reading it? 

     

    Technically, fifty pages is the threshold when I get the reader credit. But I figure that when you start it, you're good for fifty pages, and I will begin my biscuit tin enchantment process.

    • Like 1
    • That's Metal 1
  7. 54 minutes ago, Everstorm said:

    Glad you're getting some sleep 

     

    I'm down from a twenty hour sleep deficit to a thirteen hour sleep deficit, which should come down a bit more once last night's sleep is factored in, maybe 10-11h. Single digits is livin' the dream.

     

    Anything under seven is arguably not really a deficit, but in the normal range. I've achieved that for very brief periods in my life.

     

    200.gif?cid=cad65057i1jo1441h6vr0i7f4m8g

    • Like 3
  8.  

    Obligatory rugby content. Modern wizardry, guys.

     

    I suspect 50% of Nightingale's idea of modern professional managerial skills are in fact rugby coaching skills.

     

    Training Performance Report

     

    Officer: Sara Kingdom

    Date: 21/09/23

    Department: Special Assessment Unit

     

     

    Formae

     

    Daily

    Crura impello

     

    Bonus 

    Boxing practice

    Yoga 

    Visiting genii locorum

     


     

     

     

     

    Odd Days

    Tabula scindere

    Præfixa tabula scindere

    Gluteus pontis scindere

    Gluteus sedet scindere

    Volans scindere

    Calf raises

     

    Reminders

    Electrolytes

     


     

    Crura impello.

     

    Scindere.

     

     

    Score: 2

     

     

     

    Magical Ritual

     

    Cast one circle a day

    Ground energy once a day

     

     

     

     

    Score: 

     

     

     

    Recovery

     

    2 hours training started before noon.

    6-8 hours sleep. In bed by midnight 

    Bonus: 6pm schedule check-in and support tasks

    Sleep. Training. (Just.)

     

     

    Score: 2

     

     

     

    Silentium Mentis

     

    Mindfulness

    Metta

    Body Scan

    Body scan.

     

     

    Score: 1

     

     

     

    Home Front Reintegration

     

    I'm afraid I'm out of touch with the modern resources on shell shock and nervous exhaustion and the like. Do one thing a day related to 'mental health' education or improvement.

     

     

     

    Score:

     

     

     

    Record Keeping

     

    Make a daily plan

    Journal practice

    Make a weekly and monthly plan

     

     

     

    Score:

     

     

     

    Space reserved for office use

     

    Date rec'd:

    Initialed by:

     

    Form ID: Zulu Foxtrot 18.C.68-v2-Jun-1977 (ZF.18.C.68/1977.06)

    (Supercedes form 64B from Nov 1932)

    For internal use only. Sensitive records. Not to leave the Folly.

     

    • Like 3
  9. 2 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

    It does seem like the sort of thing that would slip his mind. Practical, that one. 

     

    And not overly inclined to meddle in the kitcheny realm. That would be rude. They have a division of labor.

     

    2 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

    It's not betrayal if its for your own good :P Wait, now I feel like that something a betrayer would say. Ouch. hmm. Must think on this with a cuppa. 

     

    Apparently it's not betrayal if it's one's job to ensure people are training safely. Apparently. (This, I have been told, is my own fault for selecting him to oversee my challenge.)

     

    1 hour ago, Everstorm said:

    Nice score post-betrayal, though.  Maybe he's onto something?

     

    Shhh. Stupid wizard already thinks he knows nearly everything.

    • Like 5
  10.  

     

    Training Performance Report

     

    Officer: Sara Kingdom

    Date: 20/09/23

    Department: Special Assessment Unit

     

     

    Formae

     

    Daily

    Crura impello

     

    Bonus 

    Boxing practice

    Yoga 

    Visiting genii locorum

     


     

    Even Days

    Tabula scindere

    Orantes scindere

    Dorsum scindere recta, crux, obliquum & ramosa 

    Calf raises

     

     

     

    Reminders

    Electrolytes

     


     

    Crura impello.

     

     

    Score: 1

     

     

     

    Magical Ritual

     

    Cast one circle a day

    Ground energy once a day

     

    Grounding energy.

     

     

    Score:  1

     

     

     

    Recovery

     

    2 hours training started before noon.

    6-8 hours sleep. In bed by midnight 

    Bonus: 6pm schedule check-in and support tasks

    Sleep. Training.

     

     

    Score: 2

     

     

     

    Silentium Mentis

     

    Mindfulness

    Metta

    Body Scan

    Mindfulness. Body scan.

     

     

    Score: 2

     

     

     

    Home Front Reintegration

     

    I'm afraid I'm out of touch with the modern resources on shell shock and nervous exhaustion and the like. Do one thing a day related to 'mental health' education or improvement.

     

     

     

    Score:

     

     

     

    Record Keeping

     

    Make a daily plan

    Journal practice

    Make a weekly and monthly plan

    Sort of a daily plan.

     

     

    Score: 1

     

     

     

    Space reserved for office use

     

    Date rec'd:

    Initialed by:

     

    Form ID: Zulu Foxtrot 18.C.68-v2-Jun-1977 (ZF.18.C.68/1977.06)

    (Supercedes form 64B from Nov 1932)

    For internal use only. Sensitive records. Not to leave the Folly.

     

    • Like 5
  11.  

    A review of Falcon-related activity on the tube, narrated by one of the models for Inspector Nightingale. Presumably a training video for Transport for London.

     

     

    Training Performance Report

     

    Officer: Sara Kingdom

    Date: 19/09/23

    Department: Special Assessment Unit

     

     

    Formae

     

    Daily

    Crura impello

     

    Bonus 

    Boxing practice

    Yoga 

    Visiting genii locorum

     


     

     

     

     

    Odd Days

    Tabula scindere

    Præfixa tabula scindere

    Gluteus pontis scindere

    Gluteus sedet scindere

    Volans scindere

    Calf raises

     

    Reminders

    Electrolytes

     


     

    Rehab exercise.

     

    I'll allow it.

    Score: 1

     

     

     

    Magical Ritual

     

    Cast one circle a day

    Ground energy once a day

     

    Both.

     

     

    Score: 2

     

     

     

    Recovery

     

    2 hours training started before noon.

    6-8 hours sleep. In bed by midnight 

    Bonus: 6pm schedule check-in and support tasks

    Sleep. 16h deficit.

    Started training before noon.

     

     

    Score: 2

     

     

     

    Silentium Mentis

     

    Mindfulness

    Metta

    Body Scan

    Metta.

     

     

    Score: 1

     

     

     

    Home Front Reintegration

     

    I'm afraid I'm out of touch with the modern resources on shell shock and nervous exhaustion and the like. Do one thing a day related to 'mental health' education or improvement.

    Tangential thing.

     

     

    Score: 1

     

     

     

    Record Keeping

     

    Make a daily plan

    Journal practice

    Make a weekly and monthly plan

    Sorta one point between them all?

     

    Oh dear.

    Score: 1

     

     

     

    Space reserved for office use

     

    Date rec'd:

    Initialed by:

     

    Form ID: Zulu Foxtrot 18.C.68-v2-Jun-1977 (ZF.18.C.68/1977.06)

    (Supercedes form 64B from Nov 1932)

    For internal use only. Sensitive records. Not to leave the Folly.

     

     

    • Like 5
  12. Isaac-Newton-PNG-Isolated-HD-133x200.png

    Scientia potestas est

    Society of the Wise • Est. 1775

     

    The Folly

    Russell Square

    London, WC1B 7ZF

     

     

    18th September, 2023

     

    Dear Ms Kingdom,

     

    I have concerns.

     

    In place of a weekly review, please accept this 24 hour medical suspension. We will discuss this further, and soon.

     

    Yours,

     

    Thomas Nightingale

     

    Detective Chief Inspector, Metropolitan Police

    Acting President, Society of the Wise

     

     

    • Wow 7
  13. 7 minutes ago, Harriet said:

    Please, tell me more about the relationship between vikings and zen. Is it through ferocity and bloodlust that we come to zen? On... on the other side, somehow? Do we have to go through the brutality and ruthlessness rather than around it? I also wish to better understand the link between small British cafes and zen, if that is possible. Thank you in advance. 

     

    There is no link between Vikings and Zen. There is no link between small British cafes and Zen. It is because it is Vikings breaking into song in a small British cafe that it is Zen. I hope that clarifies things. If not, meditate on this koan until clarity arrives.

    • Like 2
  14. 14 minutes ago, Harriet said:

    I know it is the right song, but Vikings?...

     

    ...I have just looked up the sketch on YouTube and there are indeed vikings. I knew the skit only from the old fashioned record that my uncle had. The recording was not *quite* identical to the youtube video (I think?), but it's the same sketch. I had no idea the singers were vikings. You can't tell a singer is a viking if you can only hear him 😁

     

    I'm pleased to have shared this theologically important fact with you today. Because the fact that it's Vikings breaking into song in a small British cafe is what makes the spam chant so important in Zen.

    • Like 2
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