If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me. - William Shakespeare
We Heart Mom
May 11th, 2008 01:05:56
From Dad and I, a million thanks to you Mom, for making this world such a wonderful place to live. Through you life emanates, and because of you it is truly worth living. Happy Mother’s Day!
(Photo by RhodiaDrive)
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Flickr Friday: Staana Studio
May 9th, 2008 09:05:33
We were tinkering with our new YouTube feature late last night, and we didn’t realize we fell asleep. The next thing we know, it’s already eight in the morning. But what a beautiful Friday morning! The sun is peeking through the window blinds, as if to stir us up of our deep slumber. The stomach is already churning, longing for cereal, milk and blueberry. Anyway, today’s Flickr Friday feature is equally sunny and perky: Hoshina, from the Land of Rising Sun. This girl is one heck of a creative type. Last March 14, she launched a new shop online called Staana Studio, which features among others Rhodia-inspired items like a Rhodia Sack and a Rhodia Bag. Like many of Japanese persuasion, it’s of minimalist design and it’s very nifty. Why she calls it Staana remains a mystery to us. Perhaps she can explain it to us, when she visits us here.
and there goes the cat again…
RhodiaDrive on YouTube
May 9th, 2008 01:05:37
We’ve finally made our presence felt on YouTube. We’re still doing some tweaking here and there to make our entries even more appealing. Please bear with us. We’re just learning along the way, and it is so much fun to discover new things, and to realize that we can actually do it. Our first RhodiaDrive interview, posted two entries below, was with the founder of the Chicago Pen Show, Don Lavin. Don is an attorney, but we could see he’s a pen collector by heart. We’ll be posting the second part of his interview soon. So watch out! Our second interviewee was Sam Fiorella of Pendemonium. Amidst the hustle and bustle at the show, we managed to corner Pam and asked her about her true passion. Sam co-owns the Pendemonium shop in Fort Madison, Iowa with Frank Fiorella. In another video post above, we’re also introducing you Nicholas Frederick, a true pen craftsman, who came all the way from Arizona to attend his first Chicago Pen Show. Nicholas owns Frederick Pens. We are downloading and editing more videos of the show as of this writing, and we’ll post them at the soonest possible time.
Mr. Don Lavin being interviewed by RhodiaDrive, with Keith Saransky, curator of a museum that is being built in Chicago, solely for the purpose of highlighting the history of writing.
RhodiaDrive interview with Sam of Pendemonium.
Flickr Photos courtesy of Notebookism.
Snapshots from the 2008 Chicago Pen Show
May 5th, 2008 06:05:43
We had an energy-filled experience at the 2008 Chicago Pen Show! We didn’t even need coffee to keep us awake on an early Sunday morning. Since it was our first time to see the expo, we eagerly came early enough to see the place, just as it burst into life. We also met pen enthusiasts from around the world, from Iowa to Ohio, Australia to Germany, Italy to Japan, giving the event a truly global texture. It was such a delight, to say the least, to witness the collectors and craftsmen, as they go about with their business with so much passion. Seeing them, we knew it was more than just their livelihood, it’s their way of life. We’ll tell you more about the show later today. Meanwhile, here are some of the pictures we got…
We’ll also post more photos later today. For now, as our new Italian friend we met at the show would say, ciao!
FOLLOW-UP: Thanks to Notebookism for providing us some of the Flickr photos posted here! Check out the rest of the Pen Show photos in our Flickr Pool.
Yeehaw!
May 4th, 2008 02:05:09
It’s here! The much-anticipated E-Pure Rhodia notebooks! We got ours last Saturday from France via New York, especially hand-delivered to us here in the Windy City. We dare say, we’re the first to own this hot hot hot eye-candy notebook here in the US!!! The notebooks were made available at the 2008 Chicago Pen Show, in different sizes and prices. Keep an eye on it. We’ll let you know which retailers already have them. Or if you have seen them in your local shops, take some pictures and share it us. Please?
2008 Chicago Pen Show:
Sneak Preview
May 4th, 2008
02:05:07
Hey guys! We were at the 2008 Chicago Pen Show a few hours ago, to catch a glimpse of the event, before the “Big Day” later today, Sunday, May 4, when the doors open to the public. It was already quiet when we got to the venue at Westin O’Hare, but we still spotted a number of attendees conferring with each other. Here’s some of the initial photos we took.
This is a very soothing impression you’ll see as you will enter the hotel lobby.
An arrow directs participants to that show.
Some of the participants surf the Internet during their down time.
And finally, we met up with our new friends from Francis and Spain, who came all the way from their to attend the Pen Show.
This Is It!
May 2nd, 2008 01:05:06
“This is the big one!” – Wayne Samardzich
“The pen auction is a major event.” – Len Provisor
“Fountain pens are hot!” – PR Newswire
UPDATED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
FRIDAY , May 2, 2008 - subject to change
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. - GRAND B & C; Everyone is welcome to congregate, meet one another and buy, sell and trade pens. Doors lock at 12:00 am. with overnight security in place Friday night for entire space and Saturday. Around 6:00 pm. the full Grand Ballroom should be ready for Saturday setup for dealers with table registrations.
8:00 p.m. - PARTS AND TOOLS AUCTION - 12th floor
10:00 p.m. - DESSERT PARTY SPONSORED BY GREGORY H. SACHS. 12th floor.
SATURDAY, May 3, 2008 - subject to change
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. BUY/SELL/TRADE - GRAND BALLROOM; additional space is available in the evening in the MADISON (across from Executive Forum).
4:30 to 5:30 - Internetters meeting in the Executive Forum Theater. Meet representatives from popular internet sites. Meet other internetters and join us for APPETIZERS and soft drinks.
SEMINARS - EXECUTIVE FORUM THEATER
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Legendary SUSAN WIRTH’S presentation on how to find pens that enhance your writing and why pen shows can really help
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - REPAIRS FOR COLLECTORS presented by the renowned Joel Hamilton and Sherell Tyree of Inkpen.
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - STUART HAWKINSON’S demonstration on the use of his latest tools for cap repair.
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. MEET THE AUTHORS and BOOK SIGNING. Meet authors of recent pen books who will be attending the show, especially the latest book on the Parker Vac. Question and answer period and book signing.
SUNDAY, May 4, 2007 - GRAND BALLROOM
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - GENERAL ADMISSION - dealers can remain open until 5:00
12:00 p.m. - PCA Children’s presentation - Lakeshore Room by ballroom
Schedule of Events via Chicago Pen Show 2008 official website.
Flickr Friday: It’s A Pug’s Life
May 2nd, 2008 12:05:50
Alas! We found our Rhodia dog. In fact two Rhodia dogs, Polly and Gretel, our two adorable pugs from the Emerald City. Two weeks ago, we noticed that most, if not all, of our featured Rhodia pets are cats. While we admit our feline fascination, we were quite sure we could find a canine version. We weren’t just sure how soon. Pretty soon, it turned out. Our two featured pugs are owned by Andrew from Seattle. On his Flickr, Mr. Rogers, aka “asr-cascadian” details the life and times of these two pudgy creatures, from Polly’s trip to a Pug Gala to Gretel’s penchant for people-watching from their living-room window. Other sets also include a virtual photo essay on a trip to Israel, as well as France. Go check it out.
Countdown to the 2008 Chicago Pen Show:
48 Hours More To Go
April 29th, 2008
03:04:50
It’s 48 hours more to go before the official start of the 2008 Chicago Pen Show! From May 1 to 4, pen enthusiasts from around the world will converge in the Windy City for the greatest and largest vintage pen show on Earth. And Rhodia will be there! Of course we cannot miss it! Although the official schedule says 1st of May, you have until the weekend to prepare for the much-anticipated auction, which will take place in the evening of May 3. Sunday, May 4, it will be open to the general public, and that’s when we hope to see you guys! And there’s plenty to be excited about! Including the much talked-about Rhodia ePure notebooks. We’ve learned that it will be available for purchase from Pendemonium at the show. So keep an eye on it.
Another item from parent-company Clairefontaine’s line-up, which is generating buzz, is the eco-friendly Calligraphie notebook line called “Forever,” which is made of recycled paper.
Except at the show, these two items are not yet available for sale here in the US. So if only for that, you should save the date, and head to Westin-O’Hare, which is just next to the airport, off at I-90, this coming Sunday. See ya!
Chicagoing!
April 28th, 2008 02:04:00
If the world is Rhodia Drive’s home, Chicago is Rhodia Driver’s bedroom. Yes, Chicago! My kinda town. The City of Broad Shoulders. The bailiwick of the Daleys. And if the stars would align, the host of the 2016 Olympics. It’s many things to many people. Today, I’d like you to take a peek at my lair, with the hope that in the near future, you would also welcome me to yours.
It’s been said that the history of Chicago can be divided into two: Pre and post-Great Chicago Fire. That 1871 history-defining tragedy burned down practically the whole city. But it also gave rise to modern architectural revolution, starting with the likes of Louis Henri Sullivan, followed by the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright, and carried on into the present and beyond by Bruce Graham of the Sears Tower fame, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid and many more. In the not so distant future, Santiago Calatrava will also debut his Chicago Spire, a twisting like heaven that would alter the terrain of city’s skyline.
True, Chicago has a long-held reputation of biting cold winter, that challenges the toughest of the tough. But the gorgeous sun, shining upon Lake Shore Drive, while you are running along the lake, is so worth the polar weather trouble. For maximum effect and fun, visitors are advised to come to the city during the this warm season. Your visit is also best enjoyed with a bottle of drink and some famous Chicago hotdawg, while watching a Cubs game at some guy’s rooftop overlooking Wrigley Field. Ah! That’s life!
Speaking of fun, Chicago will host this week Looptopia 2008, an All-Night cultural event slated on May 2, 2008. So mark it in your calendar for our new Chicagoing section.
Are you in Chicago? Tokyo? Manila? Paris? London? Montreal? Singapore? Sydney? Wherever you are…do tell us about your own city, your events and why it is unique from the rest of the world. Every last Monday of the month, we hope to continue this kind of tradition of introducing or re-introducing your city to us. I hope you dear readers will join us.
Flickr Friday: Penguin
April 25th, 2008 06:04:00
It was only last week when I wondered not too subtly if there’s ever a “Rhodian” who’s into animals beyond the feline species. The answer is absolutely yes. In fact, we found one with a cute pug. Today, however, we’re going to talk about penguins, the favorite pet, of this week’s featured fan. No, he’s not keeping a penguin in his own home, only the inanimate representation of it. But it does tell you he’s into this cuddly bird mostly found in the coldest end of the planet. Flightless, maybe, but this avian regular of Antarctica is a mighty creature that has survived the test of time.
Flickr Photos via Penpenpen
Every day is Earth Day
April 22nd, 2008 05:04:00
At Rhodia, every day is Earth Day. We practice what we preach. Rhodia, like all Clairefontaine paper, is recyclable and biodegradable. It maintains high environment standards, and it is doing so by making its own paper, and in the process, controls the environmental impact of the enterprise. Rhodia ensure that endangered wildlife habitat is protected, worker health and safety laws are kept, and the rights of indigenous communities are respected. Meanwhile, write to us how you are celebrating Earth Day this year, and what are the efforts you are making to save the planet.
Via Vickerey
Rhodia Calendar: Clairefontaine turns 150
April 21st, 2008 01:04:13
In an era of instant messages and 15-minute YouTube fame, you become more appreciative of age and longevity. Like vintage wine, they progress in taste as they advance in age. Clairefontaine, the French parent-company of Rhodia notebooks, epitomizes that brand of staying power. This year, the paper mill company established by Jean-Baptiste Bichelberger in 1858 in the Vosges mountains of France, turns 150. We just got hold of its anniversary banner, and it’s bursting with colors that exude so much energy; a visual testament to its embrace of 21st Century technology with a touch of 19th Century elegance. It’s a well-earned anniversary, mind you, surviving even the ravages of World Wars. Under its present CEO Jean-Marie Nusse, it continues to be a trailblazer in quality paper products, including our very own “orange notebook.” Now, Clairefontaine has gone beyond its confines, by partnering with Unicef in supporting initiatives to educate impoverished kids from around the world. In 2007, it donated € 453,245 or almost three quarters of a million dollars for education of Moroccan school children. There’s also an ongoing movement to help save the Earth, yet another cause worthy of praise. So, here’s to many hundred years of existence!
Flickr Friday: Animal Soup
April 18th, 2008 12:04:06
What is it with cats and Rhodia Drive? As we scour the vast World Wide Web, we have noticed that a number of our Rhodia enthusiasts are into cats. A few weeks back, we might recall that we also featured one of our feline-loving friend, Taiyo Fujii. Nothing against dog lovers or fish collectors, but in fact, this Rhodia driver is also a cat person. The same maybe used to describe our latest Flickr Friday feature, Animal Soup. You don’t have to look very far for proof that this San Diego resident is a “cat-woman”. From printed shirts to her oil crayon drawings, it’s all kitty devotion. We asked her how she got interested with our orange notebooks, and we’re very glad to report that she “got hooked on Rhodia pads” after reading RhodiaDrive. Neat! We ask you the same question, and while we’re at it, please also let us know if you’re a Rhodia cat or a Rhodia dog? Or, who knows, a Rhodia fish? We’d like to hear from you guys! And do share with us your latest photos. Ja, matta ne!
Flickr Photos via Animal Soup
Where In The World Is My Rhodia?
April 14th, 2008 08:04:10
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 4.13.2008
On a blustery Sunday afternoon, my Rhodia found itself face-to-face with Santiago Calatrava’s Quadracci Pavilion of the Milwaukee Art Museum. The cold wind blowing from mishigami, the “great sea” that is Lake Michigan, was unrelenting. But it never dampened the impact of the Spanish architect’s first building in the US. This architectural marvel, dubbed by the museum’s director as “a monumental project, encompassing an exceptional architectural and engineering masterpiece” is simply stunning. One of the many awe-inspiring features of Calatrava’s addition to the original Museum buildings designed by Eero Saarinen and David Kahler, is the The Burke Brise Soleil. You don’t have to be an architect to appreciate this wing-like extension of the building. And we’ve learned that it’s not just there for the sake of aesthetics. It’s actually there to serve as a sun screen, and it can be raised and lowered to control both temperature and the light coming into the glass-enclosed reception hall of the structure. On this particular day, as museum-goers enjoy the last day of a special exhibition, Art in Bloom, its wings were cooped, like a bird on a shivery April day. While there, we also took the chance to pose in-front of the orange sculpture, “The Calling”, by Chinese-born American abstract expressionist, Mark di Suvero, an apt conclusion to our fun-filled, albeit brief and beer-free trip to Mil Town.
Every second Monday of each month, we will be featuring a new, “Where In The World Is My Rhodia?” segment here. Please do send us your photos with a brief description of your trip, and let’s circumnavigate the world, Rhodia style!
Flickr Friday: Happiness in Taipei
April 10th, 2008 09:04:16
Flickr Photos via Ahappiness from Taiwan
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