Archive for February, 2009
Flickr photos via our Rhodia man from Scotland, Headphonaught
Starting this last Wednesday of the month of February (and the months thereafter), we’re introducing a guest blogger on this site. It’s our way of getting our readers more involved, while highlighting the writers among the Rhodia community. And we are proud to say that we’re getting some good, solid writing. Our introductory guest is Jennie Newman from Houston, Texas. With her style of writing, Jennie can easily have her own personal blog, and should. While we’re waiting for that, we’re providing a space for her, here on RhodiaDrive.
By Jennie Newman
Several weeks ago, my life changed when my husband was laid off from his job. In order to financially survive this situation, we both agreed we would only spend money on items that are essential to our survival. When we were having this discussion, in my head, I was assessing what was necessary for survival. Right after coffee came notebooks and pens. I know in his head he was thinking bread and milk.
What he was suggesting is no regular trips to the office supply store or online spending sprees for new notebooks and pens. Wow- this is going to be hard! I don’t like this economy one bit! Somebody has to do something – quickly! Does that economic stimulus package include anything for new pens and notebooks? I need a rebate check or a coupon or food stamps for Staples.
It’s not that I am completely out of notebooks and my last pen is running dry. If you are reading this then you know that is so far from the truth. No, I have many. Right now I see no less than 100 pens and 20+ notebooks waiting for my attention. This doesn’t count the ones put away in the closet so as not seem gluttonous. The endless quest has become a habit. I buy because I am in love with the thought of what it will become for me. I am in search of the one notebook, planner or pen that will release the inner genius and help me draft the masterpiece of my life.
I have journaled in one way or another since I read Harriet the Spy at the age of 8. I thought it was important to record the comings and goings of my family and friends in case I needed the information to solve a mystery later. I kept a locking diary under my mattress for years. In it, I recorded things my older sister did to annoy me and which boy at school I was infatuated with. As I grew into an adult I journaled the heartbreak and joys of life but mostly the mundane routine. Sometimes I write poems or draw pictures or paste something meaningful in the journal. It’s my way of getting things off my mind.
So while I have enough stockpiled to see us through the hard times as long as it doesn’t last more than 2 or 3 years, I have to retrain myself not to reach for that great new 3 pack of pens as I check out at the store or not forget my current situation when I see a Pilot G2 in a color I don’t have. This economy is taking its toll on all of us.
Of course, my husband’s job search would be much more productive with the right tools. A planner to record interview appointments, a notebook for tracking job opportunities and of course a new pen to use… I’ll be right back.
Last year, your Rhodia Driver attended his very first Pen Show here in Chicago, or any city for that matter. Considering that it was our first, we made some solid strides, and even managed to interview the show’s founder Don Lavin. We also met bloggers and pen collectors from all over the world, as far as Japan, who flew in just for the event. From April 30 to May 3, the world of pen collectors and a host of notebook enthusiasts will converge anew in the Windy City in an annual ritual that’s driven by passion. And of course, Rhodia will be there! (Flickr Photos via Bluman)
“Emotion or feeling is really the only thing about pictures I find interesting. Beyond that it is just a trick.”
–Christopher Anderson
Flickr Photos via Z of Ziv. Aside from his love for photography, Ziv also blogs, and writes about his “double vision” preoccupation and religious views, albeit mostly in Chinese. But the images alone are compelling to look at.
Marie Z. Johansen: Artist, writer, quilt aficionado in her own words…
“It has happened. I have succumbed. I am a journal junkie. Granted I do write in my journal everyday & I have even found new reasons to require more journals. I use one for books I am currently reading- as a convenient place to write down words I want to look up, concepts that interest me or quotations that seem pithy or useful. I use another journal to take notes for things that I want to write blog posts about, and yet another notebook is used to record daily things – hum drum lists and what not.” (Read the entire article here)
RhodiaDrive will be launching its new blog layout next month. We’re now brainstorming on the new design, which we hope will continue to reflect on the product’s philosophy. If you have any ideas, please feel free to leave us a comment or email us at rhodiadrive1@gmail.com.
We truly appreciate all your comments, suggestions, tips and article submissions. We hope that you will continue to support us, in whatever way you can. And yes, if you would like to be one of our guest bloggers, please let us know!
As a token of appreciation, your Rhodia Driver is giving away this ePure pen cup holder. Yes, the one pictured below. We just received this a week ago, and we’ve been tempted to just keep it. But after the initial excitement of launching our new Facebook Group, we’ve decided to spread the good vibes!
The Rhodia logo is especially embossed on the side of the cup, which smells very new and still has its plastic encasing. So, here’s how you can win this prize.
To enter:
- Simply join our Facebook Group (All those who have joined us before this announcement are automatically entered), and send your contact email to the admin with the heading, Rhodia ePure Giveaway. Of course, you are also welcome to leave a message either here or on Facebook, but it’s not required.
This giveaway will end February 28th at 11:59PM (US Central Standard Time.)
(Photos from the Library of Congress)
In George Washington’s time, a presidential term-limit was an alien idea. If he had chosen to, he could have been president throughout his lifetime, by virtue of his popularity, his leadership skills and his intellect. But he elected not to, deciding to retire at the end of his second term in office. Of course, by then he was already in office for eight years, dying two years later. And being a general before becoming president, he was already in public office for a considerable period of his adult life. So retirement was perhaps a logical next step. Still, giving up power is a difficult thing to do. But he did, making him all the more admirable. He may have some shortcomings, but wisdom is not one of them.
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In a separate note, your RhodiaDriver is supposed to make a big annoucement today. But we’ve been advised to hold off on it until the “delivery” is made final. So, we beg for your indulgence.
Brendan Falkowski: Tom Cruise crazy. I heart hearts. Canon fanboy.
IN OTHER NEWS…WATCH OUT FOR A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ON MONDAY!
Lincoln’s photo via George Eastman House. Darwin’s photo via Colin Purrington.
Lincoln’s notes via USA Today. Darwin’s notes via Nevermindthatnow.com.
February 12, 2009 marks the 200th birth anniversary of Charles Darwin, the shy Englishman who would jolt the scientific world. The publication of his book, On the Origin of Species, considered a seminal work in scientific literature and a landmark work in evolutionary biology, sent shock waves that is felt even until today. One only needs to listen to the raging debate on evolution, intelligent design and creationism. In a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, Robert M. Bloomfield from London’s Natural History Museum was quoted as saying:
“It’s difficult to overstate how pervasive Darwin’s work is. He undoubtedly produced the biggest idea in science in the 19th century and, some people say, of all time. Because when you question your relationship to nature, you question everything.”
Professional and amateur Darwin followers can now browse an extensive online site for reading and reference. This collection includes notes Darwin wrote from his travels in the world, from Punta Alta in the Patagonians to the Galagapos Island, where he sharpened his scientific pursuits.
Somewhere in Hardin County, Kentucky in the New World, a man of comparable historic significance was also born. On the same day, month and year Darwin was born 200 years ago in Shropshire, England, across the Atlantic, Abraham Lincoln also made his entrance in the world. It’s almost an unbelievable coincidence, but it’s actually true. Early on, Lincoln established himself as a highly-intelligent and respected politician, who would become, arguably the best American president. But more than that, he shook up the whole nation by advocating equal rights for all people, including African Americans, a move that would eventually cost him his life. His povital decisions saved the union from the ravages of the bloody Civil War, and more importantly, paved the way for many, many more struggles, and some victories like the signing of the Civil Rights legislation and to the election of the first African American president in the United States.
Today, Newsweek published a very interesting article entitled, Who Was More Important: Lincoln or Darwin?
RhodiaDrive now on Facebook!
Field Notes released its “Butcher Orange” version, and it looks like Rhodia’s own stapled notebook. Now, we’ve not yet seen a review of Field Notes in its orange rendition, but we’ve found this. But we’re even more interested if there’s somebody out there who has both the Rhodia and Field Notes version and actually tried test-driving them. Anyone?
Rhodia’s parent company Clairefontaine en francais, just released its 2009 catalogue, and we’re just thrilled to no end, scanning its 356 pages of eye-popping new products! Here’s the Rhodia Cheatsheet: Page 112 to 131. Shhh…We’re particularly craving for that Rhodia ePure Soft Journal. It’s simply tempting. Speaking of the Rhodia ePure line, we’ve heard from the grapevine that it’s now strictly all-French from the exclusively manufacturing within France, to the Clairefontaine paper being used. We’re still wondering though when it will be fully available in the US (hello Exaclair!). Hmmm…can’t wait…
Pictures tell lot of stories. Behind those images lie the joys, heartaches, excitement, serenity, contentment, awe, boredom, loneliness, love, longing, understanding, comfort, ethusiasm frozen in time as if wanting to jump out of the frame. We may not know much about Zelda クマコ (katana Japanese characters for Kumako, not Kemako as translated earlier), but her Flickr has a lot to tell. We know that she’s a gadget junkie who loves her iPod, PSP, Leica and Motorola Razor cellphone. We also know that she’s fixated with donuts, and everytime she eats them on breakfeast, she needs “at least two.” She’s also a fan of Japanese pop artist, Yoshitomo Nara, a cult-like figure whose work includes manga-inspired rendetion of innocent-looking children. We also know that she likes to hang out at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, “because it’s free.” Of course, judging from her eye for artistic stuff, we’re sure she’s got taste for modern art too. What we don’t know is, who is she missing.
Flickr photos via Zelda クマコ
Has anyone of you out there gotten hold of any of these limited 2009 edition of Rhodia by Paul Smith? Apparently, this is being sold to special shops personally approved by leading British fashion designer himself (What am I thinking? It’s a limited edition!). We’d like to hear from you guys! It would be really cool if you can share your thoughts about it, and a couple of photos would be greatly appreciated!
As a high school student at Stuyvesant in New York City in the early ’80s, Susan Jane Gilman (above , left) had the fortune of studying English and creative writing with Mr. McCourt of Room 205. And like thousands of students, before and after her, Mr. McCourt would become a mentor and influence, more so for her who has become a best-selling author in her own right. That venerable high school teacher is of course the Pulitzer-winning writer Frank McCourt, author of “Angela’s Ashes.” Gilman recalled that it was Mr. McCourt, who received the first call, when her name first landed in the New York Times best-seller list in 2005, for her authorship of “Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress.” Gilman would go on to write, “Kiss My Tiara: How to Rule the World as a SmartMouth Goddess” and “Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven.” Stephanie of Biffybeans had an interesting interview with Gilman posted online. It turned out that Gilman is a diarist, who graduated from “Jumbo count” spiral notebooks to graph paper from Clairefontaine. Neat!
Photo via New York Times
