Henki's Holiday Shopping List - Would It Kill You To Read A Book?

Random person to me: "Are you a member of a  book club"

Me: Yes, University of Oregon, BA English '90

(nobody ever gets that joke).

Shamelessly borrowed from the worldwide infoweb

I read. I read A LOT. Throughout my undergrad years I consumed the standard diet of Shakespeare (loved) Chaucer (endured), Milton and Marvel (4 months of my life I will never get back).

But from time to time I liked to sneak something tastier for desert - Thomas McGuane, Amy Tan, Rick Bass come to mind. 

But perhaps my current all-time favorite book is Glen David Gold's Carter Beats the Devil. Set in the 1920s, primarily in San Francisco and Oakland, it is a wonderfully told tale about love, loss, and redemption. Oh, and there's magic too! I suppose it speaks to me because Wendy and I spent seven years living and working in many of the areas that are mentioned in the book. And don't worry watch fans, there's even a mention of a repeater watch ; )

First published in 2002, it is still available if you are willing to look a bit. I bought mine from More Than Words which is a book store in Boston that provides employment and educational opportunities for at risk youth and others.

Bianci at the beach - sort of

As it is Friday and it is California this seemed like an appropriate theme. In the interest of full disclosure, we are a good 2 miles from the beach, but we are there in spirit today from the back patio.

So some more details about the Bianci I am wearing this week - like the last chronograph that "guest starred" tis one is a quartz watch, powered by an ISA movement.  It is very, very easy to operate and so far has performed flawlessly.

I suppose that the deck chair is also an appropriate backdrop to the Bianci owing to its comfort.  I will be completely honest here - I was not 100% sure how I would like the feel of a ceramic bracelet.  I am stating here clearly and definitively, this is a REALLY comfortable bracelet!  And I am further impressed by how well it is holding up - I have brushed against more than a few "obstacles" and no scratches!  Not even from my daily "desk-diving" - well done Bianci!

It will face two critical (at least at the Henki house) tests next week - Thanksgiving Dinner - yes I am suiting up and will get the bird ready, and then then the Ducks of Oregon will try to remain perfect.  I will, of course, keep you updated on both sets of results (sadly at least one of the aforementioned birds will not be having an undefeated season) - and of course those of the watch!

http://www.bianciwatches.com/

Bianci White Beach Ceramic Chronograph

Okay, so it is now day 2 of 15 with the Bianci White Beach Ceramic Chronograph.

A few quick facts -

As advertised - the watch is ceramic.  This is the first ceramic watch I have worn beyond a watch store counter, and I have to say that is a pretty cool effect!  The ceramic material is somewhat glossy, but not glaring.  It has a nice visual effect.

The watch itself is 43 mm (46 with the crown) and at least into the second day has proved to be comfortable and well balanced.  It is cloudy (foggy) and overcast here in Santa Barbara today, so this is a very nice counter point to an otherwise gloomy morning.

More this evening.

15 days with TechnoMarine

Just a quick note - a beautiful and fun TechnoMarine has arrived and will keep you updated over the next 15 days.

Odds & Ends

Sometimes you are lucky. Sometimes it actually pays to believe that things are not entirely what they seem. Sometimes your presumptions will ensure that you miss out on something special. And sometimes if you take the time, you will find something truly special.

Meet Ali Athari - watch maker and jeweler.


On one of my many visits to the FED EX station to ship a DOXA SUB, I encountered a very unlikely shop with an extremely unlikely owner! Today Ali shared something very special with me. Full marks to the first person to guess what it is!




So speaking a bit more about Mr. Athari - an engineer, he is now living and working in Santa Barbara. For those of you looking for a GREAT watch maker - Ali is your guy!

So far the only respondents to the question of "what is Ali sharing" were things like - watch parts, etc. - in some ways I will say fair enough - but use some imagination! Surely someone out there has some idea?


Maybe you need a bit more help -


Really look -




Okay - the final piece -