tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1625057060736641212024-03-28T23:29:49.687-04:00Pocket BlondeJournals and notebooks, fine papers and pens, inks and their ilks, a few other things, and the occasional rantdianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.comBlogger705125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-8741430530052170682014-04-18T14:18:00.002-04:002014-04-18T14:56:57.019-04:00Hello? Did You Hear About Pelikan Hubs Sign Up?<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/810MMR4C3NL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="fullScreen" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/810MMR4C3NL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" style="height: 575.193px; margin-top: 64.5px; width: 421px;" width="146" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.pelikan.com/pulse/Pulsar/en_US.CMS.displayCMS.199007./pelikan-hubs">This</a> came my way via P2B2 (Pocket Blonde's Partner Bill) and I thought I'd share it with whoever is still around, while I work on some new posts (Baron Fig, anyone?) and remember how this bloggy stuff goes. Thanks to the last one out who turned off the lights, my bad. :) <br />
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Pelikan seems to be very excited about their clear green M205 and <a href="http://www.pelikan.com/pulse/Pulsar/en_US.CMS.displayCMS.93649./home">2014 Garnet Edelstein ink</a>, with good reason--the fountain pen is beautiful and doesn't look like a highlighter, unlike the yellow one (which I love, btw!). The garnet ink looks...drinkable, really, kind of Elizabeth Bathory if that's not too macabre. And a cool green notebook, free for getting together with other Pelikan fans, is my idea of a great night.<br />
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Go sign up, and for those in NYC let's try to meet up for guns and frames...uhhh...fun and games.<br />
<br />dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-5377331579637313792012-12-06T08:37:00.000-05:002012-12-06T08:37:02.100-05:00Stationery Giveaway at I Still Write<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvkDNo_x4azMVDIYxn-CaX2TK9RYopFSERSxKj-N4JATSKwp-X3sEf3cS24h-mVLBrpBbmG_vaFkyto1PO9jxLgcZrAKvoa6gnJes_nZk-hnuGHxCtkVbHPlK8VwiyLM7W2a04YFuUuR2/s1600/is-3.aspx.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvkDNo_x4azMVDIYxn-CaX2TK9RYopFSERSxKj-N4JATSKwp-X3sEf3cS24h-mVLBrpBbmG_vaFkyto1PO9jxLgcZrAKvoa6gnJes_nZk-hnuGHxCtkVbHPlK8VwiyLM7W2a04YFuUuR2/s1600/is-3.aspx.jpeg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.istillwrite.com/">I Still Write</a> is turning one on December 25 ,2012, and to celebrate he's having a <a href="http://www.istillwrite.com/2012/11/omg-omg-omg.html">giveaway</a> Two, in fact: a correspondence set from Original Crown Mill and some very nice large note cards (deckle--cool he knows the word, always wondered). Check out the other posts, and leave a comment to enter.dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-71554541134304179062012-11-28T09:00:00.000-05:002012-11-28T09:00:12.439-05:00TUL GL3 Retractable Gel Pen<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmeeLjmdQfPrMw2Tlv0WCAP_odyx7yNxstJExWvUKdFlXUYB5WLZ-HyU4VvbOJstAkc0DzoD2jpSBzqb_u8Uiwoq2Ys0cW8eXGpflD053cMZvIP3YBsO_YalMoDhNZBUB0fQEv5U3touS/s1600/PB270496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmeeLjmdQfPrMw2Tlv0WCAP_odyx7yNxstJExWvUKdFlXUYB5WLZ-HyU4VvbOJstAkc0DzoD2jpSBzqb_u8Uiwoq2Ys0cW8eXGpflD053cMZvIP3YBsO_YalMoDhNZBUB0fQEv5U3touS/s400/PB270496.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Many thanks to OfficeMax for sending me some of their TUL pens to try out and review. These were a pleasant surprise, as I don't get to OfficeMax very much and have been wondering about them.<br />
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The first up for review is this <a href="http://www.officemax.com/brands/tul/tul-pens/product-prod4110128?R=23256548&ssp=true">TUL GL3 Retractable Gel Pen</a> with a medium (0.7mm) tip. There are 0.5mm and needlepoint versions as well, both of which interest me, but for now I'll settle for this medium with blue ink.<br />
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I like this pen. The barrel seemed to wide at first, but as I wrote I found my hand adjusting to its width and the slightly longer length. <br />
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The marketing materials note that the smooth ink flow gets rid of skipping, and it certainly does. This is one of the best ink flows I've seen in a gel pen, and my only observation would be that it flows just a little too freely. The ink was definitely wet for a few more seconds than would be good for a left-handed writer, but that may be a function of the medium nib rather than the ink. A needle-point would be fine, with the tip not allowing as much ink flow.<br />
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With that much ink flow, I was pleased that there was no bleed through on the paper--a Rhodia No. 16 notepad with 80gsm paper. The shadowing wasn't too bad, but if that's an issue for you (as it sometimes is with me) then double-sided writing will be a problem.<br />
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<br />The pen parts are standard issue, and likely you can find other refills to fit if you have one you particularly love to use. <br />
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I do like the way this feels, the rubber grip has just a touch of give to it so I'm not chafing my finger when I clamp down. All in all, this is a great pen and is now in my daily rotation at work. If you're by an OfficeMax and looking for something to add to your collection, give the TUL retractable a try.<br />
<br />dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-46123712029150204832012-11-14T09:59:00.000-05:002012-11-14T09:59:04.937-05:00Fabriano EcoQua Notepad<br />
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Found these interesting Fabriano <a href="http://flaxart.com/2012/05/fabriano-ecoqua-notebooks/">EcoQua</a> notebooks at an art supply store near Fashion Institute of Technology, and had to try them out. There were several sizes, but the A5 is my favorite as it fits neatly in my book bag. It also has enough space for working out knitting patterns or whatever else is on my mind. The cover is a heavy scratch-resistant stock, 290 gsm ecological paper. I'm interested to see how well it holds up in daily use.<br />
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I really liked the pale ivory-colored dot-pad paper, 85gsm so it's fountain pen friendly while the dots don't distract me the way lines/grids can. <br />
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But what I really liked was the way this notepad is set up inside the cover. The front cover opens and folds over to reveal a side-glued pad, an easy way to tear out sheets as you use them. <br />
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Here's a side view of the Fabriano, and I have to say I'm really liking this idea. Sometimes perforated paper gets stuck, or rips, but glued notepads are ideal for that.<br />
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No bleed through with either gel ink or fountain pens, making this great for double sided writing. The paper is 100% TCF (Totally Chlorine Free), acid free with alkaline reserve for a long life, and is made from forests managed according to strict environmental standards. Green, attractive, and <a href="http://www.utrechtart.com/Fabriano-Eco-Qua-Glued-Notebooks--Designers-Dot-Paper--5-8-x-8-25--A5--MP41084-i1018010.utrecht">inexpensive</a> ($4.99), there are 8 colors and two sizes (A4 and A5) to choose from.dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-87386666455116942192012-11-02T10:38:00.002-04:002012-11-02T10:38:58.132-04:00Happy Fountain Pen Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kXIAxgF3gUSODvjQGJ595-81fiG0c09zUvM0uMBAKpSZoe_EMQWg3t9NO9mFUkJI_cbI0Ed7aeDfp8emf9x_n_GrdzyydRi3bh_SSxPaUIy0YVOh8KoX2MK9YiTdvNS9bqUoCy1Ci_zx/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kXIAxgF3gUSODvjQGJ595-81fiG0c09zUvM0uMBAKpSZoe_EMQWg3t9NO9mFUkJI_cbI0Ed7aeDfp8emf9x_n_GrdzyydRi3bh_SSxPaUIy0YVOh8KoX2MK9YiTdvNS9bqUoCy1Ci_zx/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
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November 2nd is the first celebration of <a href="http://www.fountainpenday.org/sponsors/">Fountain Pen Day</a>, page down to see the discount codes available. Some of my favorites? Monteverde's <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=162505706073664121#editor/target=post;postID=5614255067216850261">Invincia Color Fusion</a>,Waterman's <a href="http://pocketblonde.blogspot.com/2012/01/waterman-hemisphere-agnes-b-fountain.html">Agnes B. Hemisphere</a>, Namiki's <a href="http://pocketblonde.blogspot.com/2009/12/namiki-custom-823-clear-demonstrator.html">Custom 823 </a>Clear Demonstrator, Levenger's <a href="http://pocketblonde.blogspot.com/2012/01/true-writer-golden-tortoise-fp-levenger.html">True Writer Golden Tortoise</a>, and Jack Labusch's review of the <a href="http://pocketblonde.blogspot.com/2010/01/guest-review-by-jack-labusch-jinhao.html">Jinhao Evening Stripes</a>.<br />
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I'm still digging out from Sandy, the power is expected to come back Saturday night by 11 pm. We'll see, but so far it's been...an adventure. dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-65513179350527668982012-10-24T09:15:00.000-04:002012-10-24T09:15:00.583-04:00Guest Post: Life's Too Short to Drink Cheap Wine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm so pleased to welcome Dinitro as a guest blogger on Pocket
Blonde, to post what I hope will be his first of many observations on
wine, <i>Life's Too Short to Drink Cheap Wine!</i> Dinitro has been blogging about wine for <a href="http://dinitro.blogspot.com/">some time</a>, but took a break to do something frivolous, like attend to his
business and silly things like that. I hope you'll give him a big
welcome in the comments section, and don't hesitate to talk wine or ask
questions. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0Zv1BH3fduWOVvOk7y7XNVTLc6EY9UZzFN1TLEHbdQCS6Gbnzgqx-3AWm6S23Sk1bMMgnU6tRLXJt6t8EOC-d8ttYFT4gev-fg6APppcadtCKA2kAh2PigXz4BHg6pmlDhk4P1GLlTmx/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0Zv1BH3fduWOVvOk7y7XNVTLc6EY9UZzFN1TLEHbdQCS6Gbnzgqx-3AWm6S23Sk1bMMgnU6tRLXJt6t8EOC-d8ttYFT4gev-fg6APppcadtCKA2kAh2PigXz4BHg6pmlDhk4P1GLlTmx/s320/-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A page from Dinitro's Journal</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Life's Too Short to
Drink Cheap Wine!</b></div>
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The title to this post is both in jest and at the same time
in all seriousness. I firmly believe that given our short life spans, and
perhaps even shorter periods of good physical and mental health, one may wonder
why: waste what little time we have on really cheap wine? The other side
of the coin of course is that if I blow all my money now on really freakin'
awesome expensive wines, I may not have enough to enjoy wine in my later years.</div>
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So with that backdrop what should a wine lover do?
Well, as much as I rail on cheap wine, most of us serious wine nuts (not
snobs mind you) do in fact look for good values out there. The trouble in
some sense is the plethora of wines on the market - more than 300,000 different
wines produced each year, many at prices under $20, and some amazingly so, like
Trader Joe's Two Buck Chuck to things like Gallo's Barefoot Cellars. Both
of these (as examples) can be drinkable, but as much as I'll try anything once
many of these wines I will not buy again, because they lack character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course you will now ask what
character means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To go there will
take another blog piece, but for now think in terms of complexity, various
tastes to the wine, combined with an interesting aroma, and so on. <br />
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I should also mention that, for the most part I am talking about red wines;
white wines for me having less character overall and certainly less interest
(to me) in the colder months. White wines are often chilled, and that
alone can mask many flaws (and the finer points as well) in a white wine;
though I prefer they mask the flaws. </div>
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To me, tasting wine is a highly personal experience - the
admonitions of others, while maybe helpful, are no substitute for your own
taste buds. My wine drinking friends and I spend endless hours and many glass
pours of inexpensive wines in search of age worthy, awesome wine gems that
won't break the bank. So what do we mean by "cheap" or
"inexpensive" wine?</div>
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Many people have used the $20 mark as a threshold, with
wines above that price being too expensive. Those
below $20 are in the "won't break the bank" range. We can
take that to a further extreme, with many bargain hunters looking at wines
below, say, $12 (or $11.99 in the parlance of the retail arena) to below $10
($9.99), as being in the super affordable territory. Wines priced well
below that, like the two I noted above, can be had
in the $3-$5 range, which is clearly in the
cheap. Unfortunately, as I have experienced, these wines, while
able to deliver a consistent, almost drinkable wine, they lack substance or
character. Too many other wines in the "below $10" range often are
too acidic (think battery acid), weak, or watery.</div>
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So as we step along in this merry journey of searching out
wine deals or values, one question I am often asked is: do they even exist?
And indeed they do - but again never forget the personal taste bud
experience issue. What tastes good to me may not to you and vice versa.
We have proven that over and over again among many tastings.</div>
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With the advent of Fall, my wine nut friends and I are now
squarely in the hunt for good red wines with character but priced between $10
and $17 (the higher end price here is somewhat artificial, but is based on what
we are seeing and experiencing). What we have found already is a number
of great wines that will provide awesome taste bud experiences at reasonable
prices and will accompany a wide variety of foods, beyond the Chianti for pizza
routine. So here are some recent "value" picks in no particular
order - and if you have some ideas, please share them with us!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Secco Bertani
Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy ($16-18)</u></b> - prices for this wine can vary by
store, but these are the latest I have found them for. This wine comes
from the Valpolicella wine district of Northeast Italy around the city of
Veneto. Three red grapes are commonly used: Corvina Veronese, Rondinella,
and Molinara. Not your household variety like Merlot or Cabernet, but
nonetheless are among the largest productions in Italy. Most
valpolicellas are light table wines, but the "Ripasso" moniker on
this one signifies something much better. Here the wine is made from
partially dried grape skins that have been left over from the fermentation of
Amarone or recioto wines of the same region. This gives the Ripasso more
intensity and bite, darker colors, and greater dryness. Some like to call
Ripassos a baby Amarone; the Amarone wines a story unto themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Secco Bertani version is also an
awesome one; so much so I buy it whenever I see it. Of course almost any
producer's version of Ripasso will be interesting; it’s just that you don't see
many. Another brand I often get is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Santi
Solane Valpolicella Ripasso</u></b><u>,</u> which can be a little less in price
($10-13) but about as good.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Luzon Jumilla,
Spain ($8-11)</u></b> – This is a major repeat wine buy for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bodegas Luzon is the maker and Jumilla
is the region in Spain where the wine is made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t tell you what grapes go into the wine, but a
search on Google will reveal all – 70% Monastrell and 30% Syrah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of you clearly have heard of
Syrah, but not many I bet have heard about Monastrell, which is actually just another name
for Mourvedre, a common French Rhone varietal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enough of the education for now and on to what this wine
tastes like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a red wine,
typically a deep purple or eggplant in color with a dark rich almost earthy
aroma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wine is drier than many
American counterparts – a component of wines I certainly like, but not too
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Overall it is fairly smooth
with flavors of dark fruits and licorice and a reasonably long finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is surprisingly complex for such an
inexpensive wine, and highly enjoyable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have been finishing up my 2008 vintages, with the 09’s, 10’s, and now
11’s on the market I will need to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This wine is perhaps one of the best deals in the market, scoring high
80s to very low 90s on several wine ratings for almost every vintage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are adventurous, you can step it
up a notch to their <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Altos de Luzon</u></b>
wine for about $15-18 that incorporates some Spain’s classic Tempranillo grape
and some Cab Sav.</div>
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So up to now I have been pointing out some Old World area
wines and have seemed to avoid the New World wonders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well then<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>,</b></span> you should consider the
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Phantom by Bogle ($17-20)</u></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a bit of a cult wine in some
areas of the wine world, and for good reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It blends Petite Sirah*, Zinfandel and Mourvedre (see above)
to make a rich, luscious, almost sinfully slutty wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not unlike the Luzons I noted above, I am pouring off my
2007 vintages of Phantom right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are actually better when aged for a year or more, assuming you can
hold off drinking them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Phantom’s come and go from stores wickedly fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen some shops advertize that the Phantoms are coming,
and if I don’t get there that weekend – bam they are gone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They do command a higher price and
close in on the mystical $20 threshold I talked about earlier, but I have seen
them on sale periodically for $16.99.</div>
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A recent tasting of a weirdly named wine: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Boom Boom -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a syrah from Washington State</u></b> provided some boom
boom taste experiences. This clearly works to be a more slutty** wine than the
average and the name is somewhat indicative of what to expect when you taste
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s dark and rich with more
intense upfront fruity flavors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Made by Charles Smith (he aptly named his wine business Charles Smith
Wines – how innovative is that!), he seems to focus on crazy wine names and
labels, but not so crazy in the bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His more infamous wine <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Kung Fu
Girl</u></b> has won many accolades, if not for the name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wine makers from Europe find this type
of branding and wine making something of a cowboy attitude – how American!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, Boom Boom is a good solid wine that someone managed
to give 90 points for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not sure
it gets that high, but it is still a pretty fun wine to drink with more intense
flavorful foods, not to mention some very ripe and stinky cheeses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prices for this wine are all over the
map ($12-19), depending on sales and such, so keep a mindful eye out for a
better price.</div>
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Not to be stingy on white wines, I will mention one that
remains through the colder weather:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc
from New Zealand ($11-15)</u></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Savy B’s”</b> as we call them
can vary widely in tastes depending on where they come from and what the
winemaker is trying to do with them, but this one from Spy Valley has tickled
our throats and taste buds with its interesting citrus and grapefruit
appeal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When on sale I buy loads,
and for party’s it has been a crowd pleaser among the Savy B quaffers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s no top of the line SB, but pretty
damn good for the price.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>*Dinitro's explanation when I questioned him about t<span style="font-size: small;">he<span style="font-size: small;"> spellings</span></span>: "Syrah and Sirah are two different grapes. The former is the
common grape of the southern Rhone Valley and big in Australia where
they call it Shiraz....Sirah is actually Petite Sirah, a <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">grape that originated as a cross of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrah" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Syrah">Syrah</a> pollen germinating a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peloursin" style="background-image: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Peloursin">Peloursin</a> plant.
It is also called the Durif grape, though no one uses that name.
Petite Sirahs are not very common but can be simply awesome."</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">**Second Dinitro explanation: "</span>As for 'Slutty,' it is indeed a common wine term used by many
folks including the infamous Robert Parker. It means all of what you
might think it means, but commonly to wines that have a high alcohol
content, and powerful over-ripe intense dark berry and super juicy
flavors."</i></span></div>
dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-84531048304640382882012-10-23T09:37:00.000-04:002012-10-24T13:55:03.685-04:00Architekt Ink Review: Antique Pink<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeFzjopGytHJW54hILnIvuRhzx_w06gaSaWOuSTa7cjcTOvXNSTUix9XmCH8eDmx8wPFocskPM-0fkgXnsH0V5MjzcZ_mHyFfhM8w7B5vh8zWlHMDhVPIp4WfBMyJ2CQXRgXNikFNKf6g/s1600/PA220479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeFzjopGytHJW54hILnIvuRhzx_w06gaSaWOuSTa7cjcTOvXNSTUix9XmCH8eDmx8wPFocskPM-0fkgXnsH0V5MjzcZ_mHyFfhM8w7B5vh8zWlHMDhVPIp4WfBMyJ2CQXRgXNikFNKf6g/s320/PA220479.JPG" width="231" /> </a></div>
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Just received my shipment from <a href="http://www.xfountainpens.com/default.asp">xFountainPens</a> and couldn't wait to try the Architekt ink, which is clearly a <a href="http://www.de-atramentis.com/index.php?language=en&&">De Atramentis</a> bottle. I ordered several different inks, including <a href="http://www.xfountainpens.com/Antique-Pink-Architekt-Ink-35mL-p/arc-35-ap.htm">Antique Pink</a>, which should correlate to their special Historic Person ink "Maria Stuart" or Mary, Queen of Scots. Described as "antique pink," the ink was made for the 425th Anniversary of Mary's death on February 8, 1587, and I was hooked when I first read about it on the De Atramentis website. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCOWtvAPIzOWEmZY8ZX_nLHj4OLcvjb1IIxQSzGQ35uGQ7nheLr-6LYIKzDMPlZlaypST5-cOqJhjqRtjujJtnxGXni1CBs0cAEmdSf9q9bW_JAysANcpCC1NizhL1h4fEBzDHF33FTge/s1600/PA220478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCOWtvAPIzOWEmZY8ZX_nLHj4OLcvjb1IIxQSzGQ35uGQ7nheLr-6LYIKzDMPlZlaypST5-cOqJhjqRtjujJtnxGXni1CBs0cAEmdSf9q9bW_JAysANcpCC1NizhL1h4fEBzDHF33FTge/s320/PA220478.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Architekt Antique Pink on the left, Diamine Flamingo Pink on the right</td></tr>
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Is antique pink associated with Mary, Queen of Scots? No idea, and the De Atramentis web site doesn't say. Their history of Mary ends with her husband, Lord Darnley's, death, which is the third or fourth beginning (her birth/father's death, sent to France, the dauphin's death) of her long, sad saga and not its end.<br />
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On to the color, which is definitely pink. Indoors this looked like it had a touch of purple in it, but outside (where I took these pictures) you can see it tends more to a strawberry color. It's definitely darker than Diamine's Flamingo Pink, which almost glows on the Rhodia bright white paper. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteWgYYaJb86zIrk3tlMQ2ajoQO0ifDMxyFbjpu0s9KUNq2E-JrtRcNNWvSDmilS_HinjfgDjW2adZGnCjB0pc3cD_WXVyQpfZJMhuX4SBxquFUgOippA93NEhsdBkkwav_2X7sVP0oDJ4/s1600/PA220488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteWgYYaJb86zIrk3tlMQ2ajoQO0ifDMxyFbjpu0s9KUNq2E-JrtRcNNWvSDmilS_HinjfgDjW2adZGnCjB0pc3cD_WXVyQpfZJMhuX4SBxquFUgOippA93NEhsdBkkwav_2X7sVP0oDJ4/s320/PA220488.JPG" width="208" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiteWgYYaJb86zIrk3tlMQ2ajoQO0ifDMxyFbjpu0s9KUNq2E-JrtRcNNWvSDmilS_HinjfgDjW2adZGnCjB0pc3cD_WXVyQpfZJMhuX4SBxquFUgOippA93NEhsdBkkwav_2X7sVP0oDJ4/s1600/PA220488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTqXF_juSt5O4m5DPInuKlpD3YI7tKhTJvVHhdJaeuRVh7W0BoT6NcTD5tCdBPaVOvF89DsYXeH0Ah9bsnyyr-awcPWxCs2kkRfWk80_woORjaSBwZLPVxwqKZSWYKsrb-FdfCS1rPxqm/s1600/PA220490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTqXF_juSt5O4m5DPInuKlpD3YI7tKhTJvVHhdJaeuRVh7W0BoT6NcTD5tCdBPaVOvF89DsYXeH0Ah9bsnyyr-awcPWxCs2kkRfWk80_woORjaSBwZLPVxwqKZSWYKsrb-FdfCS1rPxqm/s320/PA220490.JPG" width="240" /> </a></div>
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The color is vibrant, and there's a lot of shading though I couldn't quite see it at the time. I wanted to record my Antique Pink/Fusion pen combination in The InkJournal as well, and noticed that there wasn't a lot of bleed through on the paper until I colored in the heart. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDXXFaToiwyUIlYDmJP2Po8sfHRak1FnnO3RgXQfVVF2z2TDnDkhw0VoKtFGfcDeCjLyQSuPqTlfbRB_eBXer2aF16wpN7BWXQZ9fYpYAo8fTtiwZdcmn0MLISXXT0KQs6q1kuN4wqSVK/s1600/PA220485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDXXFaToiwyUIlYDmJP2Po8sfHRak1FnnO3RgXQfVVF2z2TDnDkhw0VoKtFGfcDeCjLyQSuPqTlfbRB_eBXer2aF16wpN7BWXQZ9fYpYAo8fTtiwZdcmn0MLISXXT0KQs6q1kuN4wqSVK/s320/PA220485.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Architekt Antique Pink with Nemosine Fusion Pen</td></tr>
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Definitely I had a lot of fun with this color. I'm not sure how much I'll use it day to day, though. I'm in the office right now, taking notes, and I have to say there's something odd about using it on Rhodia graph paper--the violet lines seem to overwhelm the pink color. I'll have to try it on my other papers (Whitelines, Kyokuto, etc.) to see how it handles. I guess my first test will be when I use it for a memo to my boss!<br />
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Was there anything I didn't like about this Architekt ink? No, but I do have a problem with the way xFountainPens shipped the order. Two glass bottles of ink placed in a bubble mailer--nothing around them, no "fragile" on the outside of the mailer, basically the way you'd expect someone unfamiliar with USPS to mail something that could quite easily break and spill. How this got to me intact I don't know, but I have to say it has made me a bit hesitant to order again. I might want to put a few instructions in the comments section of the order form, particularly what their return/replacement policy is for broken bottles of ink. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7dWnvdGxrXF33nthrsOhzihZHKzyVff3OGD8_KZ5duEVtPh2wPIxdE2fjv425pbuPaO1SGebHJWLeTyRXOV364qI9qGs6fQQ6DQ3FcJNMSQO9lvvmfeQP9wz6MQp5YIg8BKOVqIte1V5/s1600/PA220508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7dWnvdGxrXF33nthrsOhzihZHKzyVff3OGD8_KZ5duEVtPh2wPIxdE2fjv425pbuPaO1SGebHJWLeTyRXOV364qI9qGs6fQQ6DQ3FcJNMSQO9lvvmfeQP9wz6MQp5YIg8BKOVqIte1V5/s320/PA220508.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-71198798753349180472012-10-16T20:49:00.004-04:002012-10-16T20:49:41.262-04:00Whoa! De Atramentis Ink By A Different Name<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KvfCzTzzIITPcBlRmeklzG2wm6s8S4RKdDxY42IUltj00ny3SB8BuXWJx3HXqD8qBRCgYjtp8yCBL0X3sxRKSc0zmArk9xBV8FjZJi4ORHkhqa8j9RPe2oAV2ycDL2tzBEza0u-k-IUd/s1600/arc-35-db-2T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KvfCzTzzIITPcBlRmeklzG2wm6s8S4RKdDxY42IUltj00ny3SB8BuXWJx3HXqD8qBRCgYjtp8yCBL0X3sxRKSc0zmArk9xBV8FjZJi4ORHkhqa8j9RPe2oAV2ycDL2tzBEza0u-k-IUd/s1600/arc-35-db-2T.jpg" /></a></div>
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Just saw this at <a href="http://xfountainpens.com/">XFountainPens.com</a>, they are offering Architekt Ink made by "De Atremis" of Germany--it's De Atramentis ink, at an amazingly low price. <br />
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I know the Kermesin Red is one of the Historic Persons inks, Mark Twain, while the Oriental Red is Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle. I don't see Sherlock Holmes (Night Blue), but there are others you can try to match up.<br />
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They also have Archival, Document, and Registrar's inks, what a great line up!dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-91800398508706650622012-10-16T20:35:00.002-04:002012-11-02T10:25:22.416-04:00Nemosine Fission Fountain Pen <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MjUHOnT0hqs-xYXbgkEj6k5Gijgqx_c6G6_tnIMp68hOU3QyvV9cb7yiBr24CjYc1qJl0ExOhFl1bDMGfee0o_0lQcPL7Mq6zieJyf5jICMrWHM4vtJFFHM_ByQnR-4ujwpr8J7iTQHt/s1600/NEM-FIS-PEW-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MjUHOnT0hqs-xYXbgkEj6k5Gijgqx_c6G6_tnIMp68hOU3QyvV9cb7yiBr24CjYc1qJl0ExOhFl1bDMGfee0o_0lQcPL7Mq6zieJyf5jICMrWHM4vtJFFHM_ByQnR-4ujwpr8J7iTQHt/s1600/NEM-FIS-PEW-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Got an email from XFountainPens.com announcing the new <a href="http://www.xfountainpens.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=nemosine+fission&Submit=Search">Nemosine Fission fountain pen</a>, which looks really cool and is available at a great price. There's a coupon as well for a pack of ink cartridges, if you order a Fission by this Friday. I'm sooooo tempted!<br />
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<div style="color: #669cb8; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold;">
<b>PACK OF INK CARTRIDGES<br /> </b>
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<b>FREE</b></div>
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<tr><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1px;" valign="top"><img border="0" height="1" hspace="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif" vspace="0" width="5" /></td></tr>
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<div style="color: #669cb8; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 8px;">
<b>With Every Single Fission</b></div>
Buy a Nemosine Fission on or before this Friday the 19th, and <b>we'll ship a free 10 pack of ink cartridges with every single unit</b> (a $6.99 value)! </div>
<br />
<div>
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001JDeQWC2F0YqdKhwatLEiYw9kd11bZbi9Bl-VDNql-vjuYpq8mqvSlasNLhVX723qJ78kTGJ1mulJOhJ62biBipgpcni_YUkplOqQ-3aMokY51C8fg5yNzYlXq3aO_Kuti_lJoxKraGmR8oFOQOu3PuYtbSS4HI_fOlIN2yrFnl2QSHeZrFChymRCt0bHH0el3a3pMhtUbzMDrFNn3g1VzA==" shape="rect" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click to see the Nemosine Fission Pens</a></div>
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<b><i>Offer Expires Friday 10/19/2012. Offer may be modified or
revoked at any time without notice. Please contact us with any
questions. </i></b></div>
dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-31232092336782880322012-10-16T09:15:00.000-04:002012-10-16T09:15:00.121-04:00Daycraft 2013 Executive Diary (A5 English Version)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapEIA5uvwtA6zKwLoUA7rxr7NR4UVOZ8Ncl1u3Z2NtwWjYLEvrSQ5SYl9gUOU6YsKHVlXxbQNfRiAzg-_lfY5-ElulSRXAPEfmi9KNdbQ4cz7zaX1EUj96L-J0jCXWreiqvH-KnLM5Kcu/s1600/PA150474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapEIA5uvwtA6zKwLoUA7rxr7NR4UVOZ8Ncl1u3Z2NtwWjYLEvrSQ5SYl9gUOU6YsKHVlXxbQNfRiAzg-_lfY5-ElulSRXAPEfmi9KNdbQ4cz7zaX1EUj96L-J0jCXWreiqvH-KnLM5Kcu/s320/PA150474.JPG" width="234" /></a></div>
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Many thanks to <a href="http://www.daycraft.com.hk/">Daycraft</a> and Mr. Foreal Lee for sending me this <a href="http://www.daycraft.com.hk/products/diaries/executive/english-version/w151mm-x-h215mm-%28a5%29/pink.html">2013 Executive Diary</a> to try out. I do like Daycraft products, some of which are very clever, like these <a href="http://www.daycraft.com.hk/products/notebooks/retro.html">Retro Arcade notebooks</a>, and all of which are useful and well-made.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb1XQYQkjbRYSR2Utr6rpJQ9m_K9PbAqUTTOeIlesZwelqWxTQa_czK31Po1ljYEHNvQ_fDdux5AYusXuxebXhHz7PmGQMIGLteKVVdrkjpJrEhUQ2gmlPLFDaHsI-9ZD2dbI7pY2V1-i/s1600/PA150476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb1XQYQkjbRYSR2Utr6rpJQ9m_K9PbAqUTTOeIlesZwelqWxTQa_czK31Po1ljYEHNvQ_fDdux5AYusXuxebXhHz7PmGQMIGLteKVVdrkjpJrEhUQ2gmlPLFDaHsI-9ZD2dbI7pY2V1-i/s320/PA150476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The 2013 Executive Diary I received is an A5 size, about 5.8 by 8.3 or roughly the same size as a Rhodia No. 16 notepad (my favorite). It's made of a very sturdy yet soft Italian PU leather, and I really like the clasp and elastic closure that keeps it secure. The paper is 70gsm, not especially fountain pen friendly but I've learned to live with a bit of bleed through or shadowing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG6v5asUCbSR6wUuWxGQ78509F47eQhLtbSI5gfpvcTPWb4D8G7OhmsaQWwYRpQ-b4F-C_SToNYOYqt9CcOkVwzHC9d-PrvI3IRIHZbobkC1iTH7md0YR4wt6sOYaELue_arzhSAnhlS2/s1600/PA150478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG6v5asUCbSR6wUuWxGQ78509F47eQhLtbSI5gfpvcTPWb4D8G7OhmsaQWwYRpQ-b4F-C_SToNYOYqt9CcOkVwzHC9d-PrvI3IRIHZbobkC1iTH7md0YR4wt6sOYaELue_arzhSAnhlS2/s320/PA150478.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conversion tables</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What I also enjoy in Daycraft diaries is the enormous amount of information that comes along with these page-a-day calendars. There's an International holiday guide, a basic international guide (with information on tourist information, currency, electricity supply, and driving information), IDD codes for phoning home, a Vintage Chart showing the best year for things like German Mosel and Loire White, conversion tables, size tables, and a new favorite of mine--nutrition and health guides.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLi4WdOiJ1xQ1OlAVhlG-CRZ2YNSHNqaFbV-T8Jl77_0QzcLUvb_NV8XazTnNm8nUA_k-u3WxFJ8A-URA9X0U4DQyEYO6hoWmSa5Ze2c6tiRuctH-7BWlKW-ZzdkhV7ho9nTjjIwuGJ0T/s1600/PA150479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLi4WdOiJ1xQ1OlAVhlG-CRZ2YNSHNqaFbV-T8Jl77_0QzcLUvb_NV8XazTnNm8nUA_k-u3WxFJ8A-URA9X0U4DQyEYO6hoWmSa5Ze2c6tiRuctH-7BWlKW-ZzdkhV7ho9nTjjIwuGJ0T/s320/PA150479.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size conversions next to a calorie table--accident?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtAELhsPdh06OhTZ7P1IhgvgxYobSUdRoZGzrDbR7P7zRFFsTfH-l0jlahxh5hdJyR-50bJvCFGpj9LhyphenhyphenjR3Ro-7bmgKFghxl8zbUu6fD3a6lTV-jhozKh5wReO_Bid-qJpxdwTqH_ZAo/s1600/PA150480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtAELhsPdh06OhTZ7P1IhgvgxYobSUdRoZGzrDbR7P7zRFFsTfH-l0jlahxh5hdJyR-50bJvCFGpj9LhyphenhyphenjR3Ro-7bmgKFghxl8zbUu6fD3a6lTV-jhozKh5wReO_Bid-qJpxdwTqH_ZAo/s320/PA150480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite--Nutriton & Health, with a cool food pyramid</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfACgxZmE_MG_aVnJ9rjp4onE844zUtb7MaAmS9DSRjqe8c6f9hcqiOwaBtDhmjl7J3lJ_HU29anCqav8_6M6bEpwVpdw_zI8k91w2yFD9risrHpKF6cq4xDKL1lZBxpqhhUi7aCNFuMo/s1600/PA150483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfACgxZmE_MG_aVnJ9rjp4onE844zUtb7MaAmS9DSRjqe8c6f9hcqiOwaBtDhmjl7J3lJ_HU29anCqav8_6M6bEpwVpdw_zI8k91w2yFD9risrHpKF6cq4xDKL1lZBxpqhhUi7aCNFuMo/s320/PA150483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2013 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Each month starts off with a gray page on the left with a quote ("Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend"--Theosphstus, 372 BC - 287 BC), while the right page has a lined section for notes as well as a quick month-at-a-glance calendar. The gray ink makes a nice contrast with the ivory paper, as well as with this particular pink Executive Diary. All in all, great design.<br />
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The paper is, as I mentioned above, 70gsm and therefore a bit on the thin side. I had some shadowing with a gel ink pen I used, as well as with one of my Pilot fountain pens.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAgiZBOIKj5R3bfTHrcxXW_yL7pJ1Z7v2jBGzC5nwvBjuiVXJ69ua7jgVv6OqdJe9FV-WuSr1n3ks6aq5-tT75toQ1BxxEYuLWAcq4igZsnGBYG0v60evLJhp6hhAY6RSIrPt6c5CJhTB/s1600/PA150485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAgiZBOIKj5R3bfTHrcxXW_yL7pJ1Z7v2jBGzC5nwvBjuiVXJ69ua7jgVv6OqdJe9FV-WuSr1n3ks6aq5-tT75toQ1BxxEYuLWAcq4igZsnGBYG0v60evLJhp6hhAY6RSIrPt6c5CJhTB/s320/PA150485.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some shadow effect from the gel ink pen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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What did surprise me what when I switched to a Noodler's Ahab Flex and used a gentler store with the nib--no shadow at all. So I will have to try not to press so hard and see how that works as I use this more in the new year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMn3HZXzieOATGPEz78cchoRb2gmXXhNWX4C4WITv7314BsiKEUgFCtcVbRSbVtiyseSw1u5sWhHIWOKqNBbwpOQPz7T2F9W9DbDbiZ04KOKOcPLZehKA1AyM_DvSZ6Ma8xBdOUuHGXny/s1600/PA150488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMn3HZXzieOATGPEz78cchoRb2gmXXhNWX4C4WITv7314BsiKEUgFCtcVbRSbVtiyseSw1u5sWhHIWOKqNBbwpOQPz7T2F9W9DbDbiZ04KOKOcPLZehKA1AyM_DvSZ6Ma8xBdOUuHGXny/s320/PA150488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Finally ,there's a very nice pocket in the back of the Diary for papers, receipts, whatever you need to carry.<br />
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If you're looking for some great stationery products besides a 2013 Diary, take a look at their website. I like these <a href="http://www.daycraft.com.hk/products/notebooks/astrology.html">Astrology notebooks</a> with a landscape view, as well as their <a href="http://www.daycraft.com.hk/products/sketchbooks/signature.html">Signature notebook</a>. You may want to take the plunge and place an order for some really well-made notebooks and journals. And check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/daycraft?ref=ts&fref=ts">Facebook page</a>, there are some great photos of their products in action.dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-14222653841727626742012-10-06T19:33:00.001-04:002012-10-06T19:36:28.660-04:00OHTO Dude Ceramic (Roller) Ball Pen<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdopKmp7lYx4CYSzXWAGV7QhmlVVVbrdA8vwKL5Knm10HRns2YXj0O_7Eqx803RZ1wIQlTE-n9jnauZMh3ZHhApEA7tAgbtSm6fEMo6UWzbTqCrPwgoPLKcnVw59QV3yh7JBIFwxmf3y_/s1600/31FU5hMlFcL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdopKmp7lYx4CYSzXWAGV7QhmlVVVbrdA8vwKL5Knm10HRns2YXj0O_7Eqx803RZ1wIQlTE-n9jnauZMh3ZHhApEA7tAgbtSm6fEMo6UWzbTqCrPwgoPLKcnVw59QV3yh7JBIFwxmf3y_/s200/31FU5hMlFcL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Just saw <a href="http://pocketblonde.blogspot.com/2012/06/ohto-dude-fountain-pen-review.html?showComment=1348748968646#c3072021880851368090">this comment</a> from TJ at OHTO Americas, and many thanks. If you like the look of the Dude but aren't a fountain pen user (or just want to vary your daily arsenal), there is an OHTO Dude ceramic (roller) ball pen for you. It's not available from JetPens, but you can get one from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dude-Deep-Violet-Ceramic-Ball/dp/B006NTVCSQ/ref=as_li_wdgt_ex?&linkCode=wey&tag=pockblon-20">Amazon</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpOlwLD6OqNKnP6ZG653QrtQED3n_O_lxwliFOdknHjAF146u-nK2lpnExEv_cQovZsFGRrtBPPks3J8g4nQmDPyRoXX85MuP1a9nszshWspBE_pk_wBOh8E7f42if-Z15Gep9B_0pRzN/s1600/CB-10AMBXB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="33" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpOlwLD6OqNKnP6ZG653QrtQED3n_O_lxwliFOdknHjAF146u-nK2lpnExEv_cQovZsFGRrtBPPks3J8g4nQmDPyRoXX85MuP1a9nszshWspBE_pk_wBOh8E7f42if-Z15Gep9B_0pRzN/s320/CB-10AMBXB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another pen I really liked the look of is this <a href="https://ohtoamericas.com/products-pick-your-pen/ceramic-ball-pen/item/words-metallic-bordeaux-ceramic-ball-pen-05mm-writing-color-black?category_id=28">OHTO Words Metallic Bordeaux</a> . Beautiful, but not at JetPens <b>or</b> Amazon. Hmm, will have to start looking around for this.dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-67393662608153427372012-10-05T08:45:00.000-04:002012-10-06T19:36:55.785-04:00Uni-ball Style Fit Single Color Slim Gel Ink Pen<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzilSxXSshAbjb6WwRdAoUkLoTucpdmRNltm_jcDm_hSOmXvSWZinqKZhGfXhic6Q2C8HRwGnkQEG1FUgbTo2Lk86JbH-pLJl9H73pYWoyAUsH0xCRchXx5sxW8Vx6oOIg7zk3ggV2T2jv/s1600/19060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzilSxXSshAbjb6WwRdAoUkLoTucpdmRNltm_jcDm_hSOmXvSWZinqKZhGfXhic6Q2C8HRwGnkQEG1FUgbTo2Lk86JbH-pLJl9H73pYWoyAUsH0xCRchXx5sxW8Vx6oOIg7zk3ggV2T2jv/s320/19060.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Saw these Uni-ball Style Fit Single Color Slim gel ink pens with a 0.38 mm tip and a 0.5mm tip and decided to try them both out so I could see how they compared to each other. I got a 0.5mm in <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-Style-Fit-Single-Color-Slim-Gel-Ink-Pen-0.5-mm-Blue/pd/6087">blue</a> and and a 0.38 in <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-Style-Fit-Single-Color-Slim-Gel-Ink-Pen-0.38-mm-Blue-Black/pd/6125">blue-black</a>, and have given them a pretty good writing workout over the past few days doing some research projects that require a lot of note-taking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyek921wv8ZhGDXdsi-AAtki-_bGu2N5tdSXVF-1LQva-iVjJBX4RlHZMBrv7-iAOi6e-wJ2k5U6ohKJVsgjP2n42VBmsT6KEzNvCEjiuzNEqxl11i6oRZV15twqCP6keOyJDt4mMUn7a/s1600/PA030450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyek921wv8ZhGDXdsi-AAtki-_bGu2N5tdSXVF-1LQva-iVjJBX4RlHZMBrv7-iAOi6e-wJ2k5U6ohKJVsgjP2n42VBmsT6KEzNvCEjiuzNEqxl11i6oRZV15twqCP6keOyJDt4mMUn7a/s320/PA030450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Style Fit Single Color Slim is a little strange looking, but it's a very cool pen: definitely slim (about half the size of a G2 or B2P), but standard-length so it doesn't get lost in your pencil cup. The long, clear plastic section gives you a good view of how much ink you have remaining while also making about a third of the pen seem to disappear. <br />
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It's a simple pen, just three parts to it. The ink refill fits into a slot inside the pen where the plunger, so no spring to get lost. You have a choice of refills, as well: gel ink, ballpoint, and pencil. I like that I can change not only the colors and tip size but the format as well, and may check out the ballpoint options.</div>
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I have to say that I really preferred the 0.5mm over the 0.38mm tip. The latter seemed more like I was writing with a nail, and I found myself really grinding into the paper. The 0.5mm was smoother in my hand, and writing felt easier and more natural. But I do love the blue-black color of the 0.38mm refill, and will have to <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-Style-Fit-Gel-Ink-Multi-Pen-Ink-Cartridge-0.5-mm-Blue-Black/pd/4688">look for some</a> in 0.5mm at JetPens.<br />
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If you are looking for a new pen to add to your collection, check this out. I've really enjoyed writing with it, even the 0.38mm.<br />
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<br />dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-72014622478125546502012-10-01T14:06:00.000-04:002012-10-01T14:06:04.809-04:00Pilot B2P Recycled Ballpoint Pen Review<br />
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Thanks again to Pilot Pen and Shoplet.com for sending some pens to review. Along with the other pens was this <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Pilot-B2P-Recycled-Ballpoint-Pen/PIL32800/spdv">Pilot B2P Recylcled Ballpoint Pen</a>, which I was really looking forward to trying out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Ballpoint, Gel Ink</td></tr>
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One of my favorite pens is the <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Pilot-BeGreeN-B2P-Bottle-Gel-Pen/PIL31607/spdv">Pilot B2P Recycled Gel Ink pen</a>, a sturdy roller ball that takes a G2 gel ink refill. I love the clear blue color, it does remind me of a water bottle and it's easy to spot on my desk or in my pen tray.<br />
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The B2P Ballpoint has a bright blue semi-soft grip, and a different style of clip that identifies the width, which is a nice feature if you're looking for a certain tip for writing. All in all, lots of points for styel and design.<br />
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Writing with the B2P ballpoint surprised me. It writes well, with very good ink flow and almost no ink blobbing on the paper. So little there's to no staining, which I really appreciate. The tip glides smoothly, didn't catch or skip on the paper, and this medium size is not too wide. Comparing the gel ink with the ballpoint above, the gel ink took a lot longer to dry and the 0.7mm tip seemed a bit too wide. <br />
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Definitely a good ballpoint, which I find I'm using more regularly now. If you're looking for a cute ballpoint that gets high marks on the Green scale (86% post consumer recycled material) then check out the Pilot B2P Ballpoint. <br />
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<br />dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-13465509098528688882012-09-28T14:08:00.001-04:002012-09-28T14:08:17.241-04:00Over at Desert Island Blogs...My <a href="http://mslogica.com/2012/09/desert-island-blogs-pocket-blonde/">response</a> to Millie, the proprietor of <a href="http://mslogica.com/">Ms. Logica</a>, regarding the three things I'd take to a desert island is up. Go take a look, and I'm curious: what would you take? dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-37704222526702791282012-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:002012-09-24T08:00:11.886-04:00J. Herbin Bleu Ocean 1670 Anniversary Ink<br />
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J. Herbin's new addition to the 1670 Anniversary line is <a href="http://www.gouletpens.com/J_Herbin_Bleu_Ocean_1670_Anniversary_Ink_p/h150-18.htm">Bleu Ocean</a>, a great complement to their <a href="http://pocketblonde.blogspot.com/2011/02/j-herbin-1670-rouge-hematite-ink.html">1670 Rouge Hematite</a>. Like it's sister ink, Bleu Ocean's packaging is fun and elegant, touching on M. Herbin's travels as a sailor to India and other places on the Spice Trade. </div>
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While it's been touted as a blue-black ink, I'm not seeing much black in it. What I do notice is an icy tone I haven't seen in my other inks, something almost silvery-cool to this color. The shading is fantastic, as the pics (all taken outside, mid-day to get the best light) show.</div>
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I was curious to see how the Bleu Ocean compared to Diamine's new Sargasso Sea, and was surprised at the closeness of the colors. Sargasso Sea does seem to have a deeper hue, but Bleue Ocean is very close. Both samples were swabbed twice, to really layer the color and look for differences/similarities.<br />
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<br />I loved writing with this ink, especially in My Noodler's Ahab Flex fountain pen (which writes much better once I trimmed the feed). I think the Bleu Ocean will become one of my go-to inks that I'll keep in one of my pens at all times for immediate use. Drying time wasn't an issue, but that could be the Rhodia paper. If you find Bleu Ocean, grab a bottle and enjoy this beautiful blue ink.dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-66038634582539629602012-09-17T08:51:00.001-04:002012-09-17T08:51:40.857-04:00Desert Island Blogs--Which Three Would You Take?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Millie at <a href="http://mslogica.com/">mslogica</a> has started a new series featuring bloggers from her blog roll, asking for their three "must have" items for desert island survival. She originally contacted me in June, but I was working on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008QXWG8C">this little projec</a>t (yes, I'll spring it on you one more time) and, unfortunately, forgot. She didn't, however, and sent me another request for my thoughts. Pocket Blonde's Three will be appearing in the weeks to come, but Azizah at <a href="http://www.gourmetpens.com/">Gourmet Pens</a> has s<a href="http://mslogica.com/2012/09/desert-island-blogs-gourmet-pens/">tarted off</a> the series. Do go over and take a look, it's going to be a fun thought experiment.dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-56873094368218638632012-09-15T09:06:00.003-04:002012-09-15T09:07:57.991-04:00Ken Cavers Custom Fountain Pens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ken Cavers designs and makes custom fountain pens (and custom flyfishing rods, too), and I have to say I'm really take with his signature <a href="http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd231/kcavers/Custom%20Pens/Custom%20Fountain%20Pens/Designer%20Fountain%20Pens/IMG_6817.jpg">Bamboo design</a>. Check out his <a href="http://kcavers.blogspot.ca/">blog</a> (I love the banner pic pen), the nib adjustment post is a great guide for the faint of heart like me. dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-2035500482575476302012-09-14T08:00:00.000-04:002012-10-22T13:31:04.426-04:00Nemosine Singularity Fountain Pen Review<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nemosine Singularity Demonstrator</td></tr>
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Some months back a reader emailed about the <a href="http://nemosinepens.com/">Nemosine Singularity</a> fountain pen, and when an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nemosine-Singularity-Demonstrator-Fountain-Pen/dp/B007L4Y8L0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346702777&sr=8-1&keywords=nemosine+singularity">Amazon.com</a> gift card started burning a hole in my pocket I decided to add one to the cart (and the $15 price was too good to pass up). I chose the Demonstrator model with a German fine nib, very happy to see in the description that it came with both cartridges and a converter.<br />
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This is a good-looking pen. Spare and elegant, with a few touches that aren't flashy or annoying, such as the top of the cap coming to a very slight point. When I started writing with it, my first thought was that the nib shaded more towards a medium than a fine. As that's not my usual nib preference, I put the pen away for a few days and went to fill a few others to use. Going through my pen tray though, I pulled out several medium nibs I do have, as well as a few other demonstrators, and decided to see how the Singularity stacked up against them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Nemosine Singularity, Monteverde Artista, Pilot Custom 74, TWSBI 530</td></tr>
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The Nemosine actually does quite well against its more expensive cousins. The capped pen measures almost 5.5 inches, just a bit bigger than the Artista but shorter than the Custom 74 and TWSBI in the above picture. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDE6o7L0xr8ik_1E-Dl99Vt8Y5FWRaPIIbCS_AaFN1qu2epJTudsx-SsayTp7jVE9wAajraqLpc-IPK44sZWFAKYRlrPE8SrLkLpr_jXLWpWEkNDcoe29ew1xFXQ42qnG2Zr6MxcxoM6H/s1600/P8290408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDE6o7L0xr8ik_1E-Dl99Vt8Y5FWRaPIIbCS_AaFN1qu2epJTudsx-SsayTp7jVE9wAajraqLpc-IPK44sZWFAKYRlrPE8SrLkLpr_jXLWpWEkNDcoe29ew1xFXQ42qnG2Zr6MxcxoM6H/s400/P8290408.JPG" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Nemosine Singularity, Monteverde Artista, Pilot Custom 74, TWSBI 530</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Posted, the Nemosine is just a shade under 6 inches, and again it compares well to the other Demonstrators. But what about the medium nib, how does that hold up?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtbv0oDkUb8kTiQ7waiEXjzPvk50TvilEz0NSDfGBNBoFe48og7Nh4BxVXnPzZBmMMBvKzZRWgsUDdHjDcK7FO9eDirRDFkHzvm2LQfv3m3DruMD0k3o7GHIxLZqxtqrOn-Pn_O5nJgUk/s1600/P8290409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtbv0oDkUb8kTiQ7waiEXjzPvk50TvilEz0NSDfGBNBoFe48og7Nh4BxVXnPzZBmMMBvKzZRWgsUDdHjDcK7FO9eDirRDFkHzvm2LQfv3m3DruMD0k3o7GHIxLZqxtqrOn-Pn_O5nJgUk/s320/P8290409.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Nemosine Singularity, Monteverde Artista, Pilot Custom 74, TWSBI 530</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Nemosine has a very large nib, one of the biggest in my collection. The only nib I have that is a match is my Pilot Namiki Custom 823.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak2OiKq90AEPJ9t8GElAHaAwmUG115k0q1zdP51lrjHsdV0GCrkiLmDJvHeiDzdAqqjeLxF4MNTl_ExlII-L6rRgm5hQwGS61K149VR6RGwH_Nh_LSpWKJXWxqEqI5VhGM03UNC49e6G4/s1600/P8290423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak2OiKq90AEPJ9t8GElAHaAwmUG115k0q1zdP51lrjHsdV0GCrkiLmDJvHeiDzdAqqjeLxF4MNTl_ExlII-L6rRgm5hQwGS61K149VR6RGwH_Nh_LSpWKJXWxqEqI5VhGM03UNC49e6G4/s400/P8290423.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Seranne's paws, Pilot Namiki Custom 823, Nemosine Singularity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The larger nib does look a little strange on the smaller Singularity, a bit over-engined for its hull you might say. But it is impressive, and I found that it writes very well. I didn't have any of the usual dry-starts or skipping, and it has good hand-feel--not too heavy or too light, pretty well balanced, and overall very easy to use. <br />
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I love the box it came in, with the Morse Code on the lower left spelling out "memory." Nemosine is a variation of Mnemosyne, the Greek goddess of memory and the mother, by Zeus, of the nine Muses. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_Bi8eRsNr_td1Ahl8lAxVWI8tJuFvHfT-GXGTinzw6ttTbo6pCr_vh-xcNrd975ULxwHaaMMLf3C7csvCoZ9Mg8_XJWLPXd-Xv8gCnluwLpsdNFFHU3ZLvkCgvDR5d0LqP_04AW4vQ0d/s1600/P8290433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_Bi8eRsNr_td1Ahl8lAxVWI8tJuFvHfT-GXGTinzw6ttTbo6pCr_vh-xcNrd975ULxwHaaMMLf3C7csvCoZ9Mg8_XJWLPXd-Xv8gCnluwLpsdNFFHU3ZLvkCgvDR5d0LqP_04AW4vQ0d/s320/P8290433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The back spells out the details: the pens are made overseas, but their US home is Pittsburgh, PA. I like that someone actually wrote on the box. <br />
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Nemosine takes the 3 year perfection warranty very seriously, and if there are any problems with the nib flow you can return it for repair or, most likely, replacement. One of the funniest caveats I've ever read was on the <a href="http://www.nemosinepens.com/#/contact/4563356600">company's web site</a>:<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>** To forego a bunch of fancy legal jargon, we must reserve the right to rescind our warranty offer at any time, at our sole discretion, without notice. We certainly don't foresee any chance of resorting to this kind of action... but instead of paying a lawyer buckets of money to state the same thing within 3 pages of legal jargon, we figured we'd just protect ourselves by saying it outright. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EXXib-wX22XxwqZHw-0wnvfrawJ2qFi0_ab07szueGvdHaYqUJjgwS5sMNTRbAHSR_t-E9KRf47EtL_hRbVVq07L3qZUl8iPrZBPAkMDvPQNmqtZn_jAIDg_zBEikyy86AbEvB21m7YD/s1600/P9030446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EXXib-wX22XxwqZHw-0wnvfrawJ2qFi0_ab07szueGvdHaYqUJjgwS5sMNTRbAHSR_t-E9KRf47EtL_hRbVVq07L3qZUl8iPrZBPAkMDvPQNmqtZn_jAIDg_zBEikyy86AbEvB21m7YD/s400/P9030446.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nemosine's line vs. a few other pens</td></tr>
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But what about the nib line width, which seems more like a medium rather than a fine? I got out a few other mediums I own, as well as two other fines, and tested them out. The Waterman Hemisphere was definitely wider than the Nemosine, and the Faber-Castell Ambition was just a touch wider as well.<br />
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What surprised me was comparing the Nemosine Singularity to a Lamy Safari and Nakaya Decapod Twist, both fine nibs (for the latter, in every sense of the word). The Nemosine wasn't that much wider than either of them, an almost undetectable hair's breadth of thickness. So my initial reaction was definitely off, and the Singularity's fine nib really is a fine line.<br />
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This is a great pen at an amazingly low price, with different<a href="http://www.nemosinepens.com/#/models/4563356599"> color and nib options</a> that should keep most people happy. I'm not sure if the pen is in any retail shops (they never got back to me, alas), but if you're inclined to buy one then <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_office-products?_encoding=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Nemosine&node=1064954">Amazon.com</a> is your best bet. I can't think of a better pen at this price, and it's a great addition to the daily arsenal.<br />
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dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-20041299227669987662012-08-29T08:30:00.000-04:002012-08-29T09:51:09.868-04:00A Duet of Zebras<br />
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<a href="http://www.zebrapen.com/">Zebra Pen Corp.</a> and <a href="http://shoplet.com/">Shoplet.com</a> recently sent me some of their products to review, and I want to thank them for the chance to try out some things I know I'd overlook. The Zebra Sarasa is one of my favorite gel ink pens, particularly the <a href="http://pocketblonde.blogspot.com/2011/06/zebra-eco-sarasa-clip-gel-ink-pen.html">Eco Clip,</a> and I'm also fond of their <a href="http://pocketblonde.blogspot.com/2011/05/zebra-g-301-gel-retractable-pen.html">G-301 Gel Ink.</a> I've been asked to honestly review the <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Zebra-Zmulsion-EX-Ballpoint-Pen/ZEB34210/spdv">ZmulsionEX Ballpoint</a> and <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Zebra-M-301-Mechanical-Pencil/ZEB54012/spdv">M-301 Mechanical Pencil</a>, so here goes.<br />
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<i>Update: Just an FYI, there's a Zebra Pen <a href="http://blog.shoplet.com/giveaways/claim-a-zebra-pen-and-win-a-shoplet-gift-card/">giveaway</a>
going on at Shoplet.com right now for the Zmulsion pen (and a chance to
win a gift card). You may want to check it out and get one. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDc7goIv6w0G9c66mpdW-rYlRahTUscjufYx92FW4fwv69T2914PWoMfRPbXaEosmvPbajkFtrqiliqnkYDT1u8UbGaNku5nD_wosNEapJb8WGpwbsl0KdIY7pqYOjsNp_H3A8wnUh0zk/s1600/P8280401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDc7goIv6w0G9c66mpdW-rYlRahTUscjufYx92FW4fwv69T2914PWoMfRPbXaEosmvPbajkFtrqiliqnkYDT1u8UbGaNku5nD_wosNEapJb8WGpwbsl0KdIY7pqYOjsNp_H3A8wnUh0zk/s320/P8280401.JPG" width="223" /></a></div>
First, the <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Zebra-Zmulsion-EX-Ballpoint-Pen/ZEB34210/spdv">ZmulstionEX</a>. Well, it is a ballpoint, not a gel ink, so I was worried about the usual ink-smearing problem. But the more I used this pen, the more I got to like the way it felt as I wrote on the paper. The ZmulsionEx features an emulsion ink, a combination of oil, water and pigment, that really was smooth. What seemed strange was that I could almost feel a waxy coating being laid down on the paper, yet when I touched the ink it didn't seem any different than other ballpoints I've used.<br />
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That emulsion is likely why there wasn't as much smearing on the paper, and drying time was relatively fast. I've used ballpoints where the ink seemed to take forever to dry, and wound up with a lot of stains on my hands. The ZmulsionEX didn't skip or scratch, the ink blobs weren't noticeable, and I like the way this pen feels in my hand.<br />
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The pen design is, as always, fun. I like the way the blue and orange work on this pen, and the other color choices are just as goo. Also, I was impressed with the very bright orange color of the ink. I don't know what I expected, but this ink looks clean and has a beautiful clarity to it. If you're looking for some ballpoints, give the ZmulsionEX a try.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAtOLypr6AaMjUxNnhgwWCqV4JODUh8A5BVOs89IGuVgpoFvIdN1nikVjx_NtwoWStKeRcjMIX72p0ELBUZJkAnh3SmkXhxK5MHy4VukDGfQrSrImg4A6OEr-hEYS4t9DiXc7DsOVZa1j/s1600/P8280404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAtOLypr6AaMjUxNnhgwWCqV4JODUh8A5BVOs89IGuVgpoFvIdN1nikVjx_NtwoWStKeRcjMIX72p0ELBUZJkAnh3SmkXhxK5MHy4VukDGfQrSrImg4A6OEr-hEYS4t9DiXc7DsOVZa1j/s320/P8280404.JPG" width="236" /></a></div>
Second in the duet is the <a href="http://www.shoplet.com/Zebra-M-301-Mechanical-Pencil/ZEB54012/spdv">M-301 Mechanical Pencil</a>. I'm not a big pencil user, and may not have been the best choice of reviewer for the M-301. There wasn't anything I disliked about it, I just don't use pencils so I can't really say if some feature is good or bad. I like the hard rubber and steel design, and the grip felt good and gave my finger much-needed support, since I tend to press down hard on my writing instruments, leading to a finger ache. After taking the pencil apart I realized the small rubber piece at the end was the eraser, once more proving that my talent for noticing the obvious is, perhaps, truly unequaled.<br />
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A few quibbles. The lead was a touch too hard for me (it comes with HB lead), but that's easily solved. What I couldn't quite figure out was how to retract the lead, which is one of the touted features of this pencil to prevent breakage. As it is probably on the packaging, which I didn't get, I'll play around a little more and see if I can do it.<br />
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If you like, and use, mechanical pencils, this may be a good option for you but I honestly can't tell. So if you are a pencil lover and would like to try a Zebra M-301 Mechanical Pencil, leave a comment by Sunday, 7 pm, and I'll do a random drawing and send it on to the winner. A mini-review sometime in the future would be appreciated.<br />
dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-12177354087571224962012-08-27T23:49:00.000-04:002012-08-28T19:36:33.284-04:00Starry, Starry Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Y00XzrkW7V2x6KcA7FLa59KrvNiFBL5QzYj1-BC-vzziP99DAWBIlBCMbKCy4MdCHogktjEZUuILUNnKaQNiBL6ceWT7UxGljIZ0n7LAWecDTEjD79sMEoWFMaT_dWmOXyWrePhTFCyO/s1600/il_570xN.360814918_se3z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Y00XzrkW7V2x6KcA7FLa59KrvNiFBL5QzYj1-BC-vzziP99DAWBIlBCMbKCy4MdCHogktjEZUuILUNnKaQNiBL6ceWT7UxGljIZ0n7LAWecDTEjD79sMEoWFMaT_dWmOXyWrePhTFCyO/s320/il_570xN.360814918_se3z.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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Patrick at The Norsk Woodshop has this beautiful handcrafted <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/105551213/blue-box-elder-burl-cigar-pen">Blue Box Elder Burl cigar-style ballpoint </a>pen that he describes as pefect for fans of Monet's waterlilies or Van Gogh's Starry Night. I do think of the latter when I see this, what do you think?dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-18732660488783251812012-08-27T14:31:00.001-04:002012-08-27T14:33:06.982-04:00Starr Crossed Creations Has Arrived!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKOhcw2UckheqOvsQH9oqb1Ci_OjloCqmYOclc4eWyJ-ysAUDmDJezSKD-HW587WuEIw5lfAkLNcxN6XFekNEGlbh9ys0yhrfDlFUbWsiWbMMuSQBRaj39iGly8i26eBbIWhIiaHKz0Vn/s1600/P8270402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKOhcw2UckheqOvsQH9oqb1Ci_OjloCqmYOclc4eWyJ-ysAUDmDJezSKD-HW587WuEIw5lfAkLNcxN6XFekNEGlbh9ys0yhrfDlFUbWsiWbMMuSQBRaj39iGly8i26eBbIWhIiaHKz0Vn/s400/P8270402.JPG" width="251" /></a></div>
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Just thought I'd share this, my friend Raina has set up her own sparkly-things business, Starr Crossed Creations, and put up a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/starrcrossedcreations">Facebook page</a> showcasing her beaded jewelry work. I've had a lot of compliments on the necklace and bracelet set she made me some time back, and was recently gifted with one of her beautiful Buddhist prayer bead workings (above pic). Hope you'll take a look.dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-28027855509417059202012-08-25T07:11:00.000-04:002012-08-25T07:11:28.960-04:00A Giveaway at Note Booker, Esq. <a href="http://notebookeresq.blogspot.com/">Note Booker, Esq.</a> is giving away a <a href="http://notebookeresq.blogspot.com/2012/08/rhodia-unlimited-notebook-review-and.html">Rhodia Unlimited pocket notebook</a>. I was truly saddened to read he doesn't care for Rhodia's usual choice of purple ink for their line ruling, but promise to write a letter on his behalf before he's sentenced (it's <i>sedition</i>, NB, not <i>sacrilege</i>). Send him an email, tell your friends about his blog, and enter to win.dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-58299974438551771062012-08-24T09:04:00.003-04:002012-08-24T09:04:34.303-04:00A Pair of Purple Pens<br />
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Many thanks again to <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/">JetPens</a> for sending these to me, I love purple and wanted to give them a try. The top pen is a violet purple <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-Noble-Metal-Metallic-Gel-Ink-Pen-0.8-mm-Violet-Purple/pd/7391">Uni-ball Noble Metallic</a> gel ink pen, with a slim outline and curved clip. The bottom pen is a lavender purple black <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-Signo-RT-UM-138-Gel-Ink-Pen-0.38-mm-Lavender-Purple-Black/pd/469">Uni-ball Signo RT UM-138</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRfnktJ3-9IxMddTNXvLrhNGzae_cs_p4fzidcXMXLfp8AiTy0klJzF5ols56gBQ2UP5x-u7t12lW17KBHhBq63BSsDjj3kDsBwWR8KAE7aH-aUj7RqcMk3c1BkVNK5ZUXmeYKWgd-Rxz/s1600/P8230402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRfnktJ3-9IxMddTNXvLrhNGzae_cs_p4fzidcXMXLfp8AiTy0klJzF5ols56gBQ2UP5x-u7t12lW17KBHhBq63BSsDjj3kDsBwWR8KAE7aH-aUj7RqcMk3c1BkVNK5ZUXmeYKWgd-Rxz/s320/P8230402.JPG" width="215" /></a></div>
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Both pens write well. The Noble Metallic has a 0.8mm tip, which felt and looked too broad for my regular use but would make a great accent pen when I want to note something but don't want to use a highlighter. The color is very metallic, and while the ink starts out dark it dries to a lighter, more sparkly color. If you're looking for dark purple this isn't it, but for color work or accents this is a great choice. Not an everyday-use type of pen for me, but something I'd definitely keep in my lineup when I wanted to add some smiles to my writing.<br />
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The Signo is more my style, a very deep purple with just a touch of black to it. When I double shaded the Signo it was definitely much darker and richer in color. The 0.38mm tip is perfect for writing, gives a very sharp line that is still broad enough to see the purple-black color but not too broad so my writing goes wonky. Definitely a pen you want to put in your daily arsenal, maybe with the Signo's <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/Uni-ball-Signo-DX-UM-151-Gel-Ink-Pen-0.38-mm-Bordeaux-Black/pd/1546">Bordeaux Black</a> pen as well.<br />
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<span id="goog_2053824924"></span><span id="goog_2053824925"></span><br />dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-77284311695208904042012-08-23T22:05:00.001-04:002012-08-23T22:05:39.117-04:00An Interesting Pencil BlogWas talking with someone about Sheaffer military clip fountain pens and did a quick search for some <span style="color: black;">more information, when I came across this <a href="http://leadheadpencils.blogspot.com/2012/01/another-bloody-disaster.html">blog post</a> </span>about military clip pencils from <a href="http://leadheadpencils.blogspot.com/">Leadheadpencils</a>. Hadn't thought about a pencil, but of course there would be one. Lots of great posts from a true pencil lover, do stop by.dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-162505706073664121.post-74777282679134960232012-08-21T08:30:00.000-04:002012-08-21T14:58:14.197-04:00Sun-Star Belt Type Pen Jacket Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNk_9mYbUmJMyn6F2PZBH7b13mYw1ytemF4XfCEEOhUPRspYU4S2spmYeVKVpYdgnPTFf0uf67pzbObKVZdMjOBZo-aPWZbUDUKscwOgpthz2GAgCIvy7pVnlunDBfEDsAEmc99wpFHg_/s1600/P8200379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNk_9mYbUmJMyn6F2PZBH7b13mYw1ytemF4XfCEEOhUPRspYU4S2spmYeVKVpYdgnPTFf0uf67pzbObKVZdMjOBZo-aPWZbUDUKscwOgpthz2GAgCIvy7pVnlunDBfEDsAEmc99wpFHg_/s320/P8200379.JPG" width="162" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color didn't come out right, this isn't really tomato red</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.jetpens.com/">JetPens</a> has some <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/search?q=sun+star+pen+jacket+">new pen cases</a> from Sun-Star that interested me, pen jackets in two flavors: belt type and magnet type. The one I thought I'd do best with is the belt type, and with a few clicks of the mouse a <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/Sun-Star-Pen-Jacket-Belt-Type-Wine-Red/pd/9450">Wine Red belt type pen jacket</a> was in hand and ready for action.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6r8lYVeTzYoq987m0JaYGpTrke_HxnZb66GaWyWn7CVLCJX4EY9XhxrUi_FJmitmsUzM2t0SXspBNSVgvHHJ9TjUiQfjXl8LMHeDqr3mOFeZl8np0xyBwRqO5DU4dWJ6HePkmc2FATS1v/s1600/P8200383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6r8lYVeTzYoq987m0JaYGpTrke_HxnZb66GaWyWn7CVLCJX4EY9XhxrUi_FJmitmsUzM2t0SXspBNSVgvHHJ9TjUiQfjXl8LMHeDqr3mOFeZl8np0xyBwRqO5DU4dWJ6HePkmc2FATS1v/s320/P8200383.JPG" width="167" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like that the back loop can be tightened, so it will fit easily on different journals</td></tr>
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This is a slim case, which appeals to me, and is made of a lightweight, textured nylon fabric. The belt type has a removable, adjustable elastic band that slips over the outside of a journal or notebook, so you can carry your favorite pens and have them at the ready when you need to write. There's also a small loop at the top, so you can the case take off the band and clip it on something.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsCuzZAcociipg0sEutpzcu8br3CJUeVLsJ4stIUivDymUz3nvuRq4Jjp55aAsIYRJdPGUXa-AjeIdza7OvvqPT5_MTf__ysq9CyHxdsUjZh1cr-VfIHHsI3L1jo95D4rSqXZGuM5wQrd/s1600/P8200390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsCuzZAcociipg0sEutpzcu8br3CJUeVLsJ4stIUivDymUz3nvuRq4Jjp55aAsIYRJdPGUXa-AjeIdza7OvvqPT5_MTf__ysq9CyHxdsUjZh1cr-VfIHHsI3L1jo95D4rSqXZGuM5wQrd/s320/P8200390.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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Above I'm testing it on a Rhodia webbie, and like the way it looks. The Pen Jacket doesn't hold a lot of pens, and at first it seemed small--too small to hold my fountain pens. But when I put a few of my thicker pens inside, they fit perfectly and with enough space so the pens weren't rubbing against each other.<br />
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The case measures 5.7 inches by 1.8 inches, and is very lightweight. There's a slide closure loop on the front that was just a little awkward for me, no big deal and likely due to first-time klutziness rather than a problem with the Pen Jacket. The main thing is that the pens are secure and won't fall out, something I've had a problem with on my roll-style cases (surprising to me, as the cases have a flap to put over the pens that keeps them in place).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges5_ky3Wk-oQbBhZ3w2rWY_DWJt3N1HX1giWqgKP_9hQmk_UZw1-s0Jo-fuqkXJkdrxbqyw2bn169dwXJ0mrgSu4q0Cf5zqJea2f3GRt8xPFoC7XARNkAOFdwWSZ9o51pwamivVQ1z5ka/s1600/P8200391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEges5_ky3Wk-oQbBhZ3w2rWY_DWJt3N1HX1giWqgKP_9hQmk_UZw1-s0Jo-fuqkXJkdrxbqyw2bn169dwXJ0mrgSu4q0Cf5zqJea2f3GRt8xPFoC7XARNkAOFdwWSZ9o51pwamivVQ1z5ka/s320/P8200391.JPG" width="194" /></a></div>
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Since my usual daily arsenal includes a fountain pen, I added my <a href="http://pocketblonde.blogspot.com/2012/06/ohto-dude-fountain-pen-review.html">Ohto Dude</a> as well as a Uni-ball Signo retractable to the case. Both pens have a pretty wide diameter, but there was no problem. The Pen Jacket is nicely made, the stitching is sturdy without being too tight and pulling on the cloth. I like the black lining they added to the closure flap, and think this is a great addition to my pen case collection.<br />
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The belt type Sun-Star Pen Jacket will hold regular-sized pens (I'd say something in the Hi-Tec-C range) or two wider pens. Definitely a winner, and the price isn't outrageous. Check out the other <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/Sun-Star-Pen-Jacket-Belt-Type-Orange/pd/9448">colors</a>, and take a look at the <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/Sun-Star-Pen-Jacket-Magnet-Type-Brown/pd/9454">Magnet Type</a> if you're looking for a new pen case.<br />
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<br />dianebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13856902356103585311noreply@blogger.com0