Greetings from James Howe. This website is currently under heavy construction.
Until things get underway, please feel free to browse any of the other 2.9 billion websites on the internet.
Or, check out Robert Howe's page.

I am currently in the process of learning HTML5, so I will be using the Cold Dark Forest
as a test template for the time being. Anything beyond this point will be test material.

Flagship Apple Store, New York

My interests include:

Politics

Including, but not limited to, American and environmental politics.
Some papers and works published may be added in the future.

Bicycles and Unicycles

From classic Bianchis to delightfully lugged Rivendells.

Apple

Past and present

Wristwatches, Pocket Watches, and Time Keepers

I don't like watches with too many complications. When the watch face becomes cluttered,
I think it becomes ugly and overworked. What I really like to see in a watch is one well-placed
complication. The seconds hand could have its own circular window. I think that shows class and restraint.
Above all else, though, you cannot go wrong with a small, not too gaudy, moon-phase complication.
A moon-phase window can be absolutely gorgeous and really show some artistic creativity.
Finally, I like blue hands. I don't know why, but blue hands are just classy.

When it comes to "smartwatches," and as much as I commend Apple for making their version of a watch,
my feelings can be accurately described by this quote from the Watch Snob:

“Indeed, as far as I can understand the matter, there is no rationale for the smartwatch,
other than to satisfy the ill-disguised greed of its makers.”

A few of my favorite brands (and ignoring the price) include:
Patek Philippe
A. Lange & Söhne
Arnold & Son (My favorite is the HM Perpetual Moon)
IWC, the International Watch Company
Frederique Constant, a relatively affordable luxury Swiss brand.
Nomos Glashütte, a wonderful German brand specializing in Bauhaus-style watches. My favorite is the Nomos Tangente.

And the great blog dedicated to watches: Hodinkee