Esterbrook Dollar Pen

A few weeks ago I bought an Esterbrook Dollar Pen that was in fairly decent condition even though it didn't work. The barrel, section, lever, and feed were in good shape but the nib was used to spear cheese cubes or something. It was crumpled and not repairable, so a new nib was in order. To add insult to injury, I put some gouges in the section when my re-worked pliers slipped, including a very noticeable nick at the lip of the barrel.

Over at Fountain Pen Network I met 777, who repairs Esties. He's restored the pen, including working out most of the scratch marks and gouges, and sent me these pics. I can't wait to actually see it and give it a try (before it goes on to someone else), the blue is really beautiful.

Staples OXO Good Grip Ballpoint Pens

Another OXO pen I found at Staples, also on sale, was this Good Grip ballpoint. I love the black matte hard rubber design, it's a substantial pen with a short refill that has a very nice 1.0mm tip. The line didn't seem too wide, in fact I thought it was a 0.5mm or 0.7mm until I took the pen apart.

Twist the pen and two things happen: the tip descends so you can write and the pen clip disappears. The pen cannot be clipped to your pocket while the refill is engaged, so there's no chance for an oil-based ink disaster (and no need for a pocket protector, unless that's your look).

The pen is hefty, no slim Hi-Tec-C here, and easy to grip (the whole point of OXO). I like the overall design and hand-feel of this pen, if you're looking for some additions to your line-up you might want to give these a try.

Staples OXO Good Grips Permanent Markers

When it comes to products that make life easier, OXO is the brand to look for in the housewares and supplies aisles. The distinctive black rubber design is easy to hold and doesn't cramp the hand, and the wide array of tools and accessories are easily identifiable among the myriad brands. A few years back, when OXO was leaving their old location in NYC they held a moving sale that was standing room only (I picked up quite a few bowls and other kitchenwares).

The OXO line for Staples is as nicely designed as their housewares and garden tools, and many of their office supplies are on sale so that was an added incentive to pick up some pens. As I'm out of markers, I grabbed a set of retractable permanent markers in assorted colors to test out.


The marker is large, with an all-black design I like (the red trim is a piece of tape that can be removed). Twisting the pen pushes down the marker, which has a broad, bullet-shaped tip. The rubber barrel makes for a comfortable grip, while the matte/shiny black contrast is a nice touch. Writing is easy, but like a Sharpie there is bleed through on writing paper. It's a great looking marker that I'll enjoy using it for various projects and quick notes.

A Musical Ferris Wheel

Back in Pennsylvania last weekend, a friend and I were wandering through a farmer's market when I came across this old kiddie ride. It's battered and scratched but still working, although the sign on it noting the 50 pound weight limit says something about modern life. I remember this from my own childhood, and while I don't think I ever rode on this when I was a kiddie I do remember the horses and cars and stuff we used to play on outside various markets and stores.

Triangle Factory Fire 100th Anniversary

Friday, March 25 marked the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Waist Factory fire, where 146 people (almost entirely women) were killed when a fire broke out at the Triangle factory. The women made shirtwaists, a blouse that tucked into the long skirts of the time, giving a more defined look that matched the new style in tailored-looking shorter skirts (they ended just above the ankle, quite daring at the time).

The women in the factory were locked into their 9th floor work are by owner, to discourage theft. Surrounded by yards of cotton fabrics, combustible dust, and open buckets of oil used to grease the machinery, when the spark ignited it took only a few moments to build into an inferno.

One point worth noting: when unions were formed for better wages and work conditions (not an easy task in itself), they were men's unions. Women had to form their own unions, and they were understandably angry that men didn't see them as a part of the struggle for safe working conditions and decent wages. My grandmother was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, founded to advance the cause of women garment workers such as those who jumped out of the windows of the Triangle Factory on March 25, 1911.


The Chalk project, above, was undertaken to commemorate those killed in the fire. The volunteers went to the place where a lived and marked the sidewalk with chalk. Above is one of the markers, a few blocks from my apartment:

Mary Floresta

26 years old

Lived at 570 E. 13th Street

Died March 15, 1911

Triangle Factory Fire

Friday Reading Round the Net

OfficeSupplyGeek is running a giveaway, enter to win a Giant Paper Clip Wall Hook.

Ink Nouveau shows off the Pilot Iroshizuku inks and pens available at Goulet Pens.

The King's Pen at Nancy Olson, Ink

Check out Claire Cameron's Notebook(blog) for some amazing notebook graphics (Moleskine Volant, looks like)

I like Rotring, especially their fountain pens, so here's a very thorough review of the Rotring Rapid Pro Mechanical Pencil at Dave's Mechanical Pencils.

In case you missed National Puppy Day, The Finer Things has a round up of cute canine gifts.

Pantone Chip Magnets at How About Orange, a really great DIY project.

Tom at Goldspot Pens Blog asks: an iPad 2 or a fountain pen?

Tiger Pens Blog highlights the Vat19.com's inkless metal pen.

Petite Lap Giraffes

A farm specializing in petite lap giraffes. Wonder if they're house trained and get along with cats? :)