Rhodia Drive

Flickr Friday: Biffybeans’ Madala Heaven

July 25th, 2008 01:07:41

According to Mandala Project, the word “mandala” is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. “It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself–a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds.” This spiritual symbolism with deep connection to the Hindu and Buddhist faiths, reflects in the many works of Stephanie. Biffybeans, her alter ego, writes, that her mandalas “are generally created out of frustration.” We say, it’s product of artistic inspiration. We may not be able to graple with its meaning, or reach a transcendental plain, but we can certainly appreciate its aesthetic beauty. This “Ex Metalhead turned Artsy Metaphysical Hippie Chick” from the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania is also into vintage cars and fountain pens. We’re also very curious to hear and dance to the rhytm of her drums, because it looks like she’s a major player.

Flickr photos via Biffybeans

Black Cover on Rhodia Webnotebook

July 23rd, 2008 10:07:54

Here at RhodiaDrive, we take your opinion about the notebook seriously. We may, or may not like and agree with what you say, but we strive to present every point of view. Sure, we can disagree without being disagreeable. Not too long ago, New Yorker Nick of the “popular little black notebook” Black Cover reviewed the newly-released Rhodia Webnotebook. And this is what he had to say:

Recently, word has been getting around of a new Moleskine-esque product called the “Webnotebook,” and we’ve been rabidly trying to get our hands on one. For a while, the only available means were wholesalers selling in expensive large bulk orders, and as much as we like black notebooks, we don’t like them that much!

Luckily, after a few emails, Exaclair Inc., the American distributor of Rhodia products, generously sent us some samples. Thus, Black Cover is proud to present what I think is the first Rhodia Webnotebook review on the internet.

You can read the full review here. Thanks Nick for all your input! To those who already own a webnotebook, tell us what you think.We’d like to hear from you guys. If you have something to say about the other Rhodia notebooks, let us know as well. Who knows, a reward might await you! Ciao!

Pencil-Pusher: Glass Petal Smoke

July 20th, 2008 10:07:49

Michelle Krell Kydd, purveyor of fragrance and everything that rhymes with class and good taste, recently reviewed our Rhodia pencils on her fascinating blog, Glass Petal Smoke, which was created “out of a personal passion for things olfactive and gustatory.” Describing the online project that palpably reflects her true passion, Michelle writes, “the back story regarding a raw material or finished product is often rich with history, myth and folklore. When all of these aspects are brought together, they tell a story of our common humanity, as expressed through the senses.” How excited we are to read her thoughts about Rhodia pencils:

People fall in love for all kinds of reasons, but when the object of affection is a pencil, you have a little bit of explaining to do. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking relationship avoidance, fetishes or totems. I’m talking about worshipful admiration and praise that is akin to a foot stompin’ gospel revival. I’m not talking about any pencil. I’m talking about a Rhodia; a pencil for the senses.

As a professional writer, the last thing I want to do is meld my inner life with what I do for a living. By day I am engaged in marketing and communications assignments that revolve around the business of brands. Pens are the office norm. On nights and weekends I let my freak flag fly and the pencil becomes my savior. Pleasure is as much a factor in the choice of a writing instrument as performance. That’s where the Rhodia comes in.

To read the whole review, visit Michelle’s blog, Glass Petal Smoke

Flickr Friday: Chen the Lomo lover

July 17th, 2008 08:07:17

“Cult following” is an appropriate term you can latch on to describe Rhodia users. That may be the case with Lomography as well. This unique art of taking photos, has inspired so many fans to produce many impressive works. Count in Mister Chen as one of those lomo-lovers. This Taiwanese lomo-natic blogger, has taken a number of images that ranges from colorful and optimistic to dark. From the looks of it, he’s also a notebook collector…and what’s a collection without a Rhodia right? You can appreciate all his works here.

Flickr photos by Mr. Chen via Esheng.

Strikethru blogs about Rhodia

July 17th, 2008 01:07:54

While on a prowl online, we chanced upon this blog called Strikethru, which recently reviewed Rhodia notebook. Browsing thru (pun intended) the site, and then actually reading the review, we’re extremely heartened to learn, that we’ve passed the test with an “Amazing” grade. But before we get to it, a short intro about the blog, or should we say, the cool girl behind it. Cheryl is her name, we’ve learned, and that’s how far we know about her personal profile. But what we know is that she collects manual typewriters, photos of which she posts online along with other collectors. Polaroid film, collages, junk cameras, fountain pens and thrift stores are some of her other interests. And when she mentioned thrift stores, we know we could relate to her well (we just got our jeans for $5 in one of those shops). But so much for those. Cheryl confesses that she’s on a “notebook kick” lately, and that’s where we’ve find out about her interest on Rhodia. So here’s her take on it, dated June 24:

I’m on a notebook kick lately (this really ought to be pencasted) and gradually scrawling my way through all the notorious notebook brands out there, the latest being the traffic-cone orange Rhodia. Legend has it that these notebooks work well with fountain pens, unlike most other paper I’ve tried (including Moleskines and Apica notepads, both of which I love anyway).

Yesterday I put Rhodia to the ultimate test: a medium-nib fountain pen screed on one side of the paper, and typewriting with an old platen on the other. Surely this kind of text-intensive stunt would result in braille-like punch-throughs, or bleeding ink? Rhodia paper doesn’t *look* like anything special. And yet, it held up. You can use both sides of the page! Amazing.

Review via Cheryl of Strikethru

Customizing Rhodia Notebooks at Etchstar

July 14th, 2008 01:07:19

Don’t just improvise, customize. That seems to be the prevailing message behind Etchstar, a creative website, which specializes in customizing your favorite personal items, such as your iPhone, your laptop, and why not, your Rhodia notebook! No less than Ben Katz sent us these really cool and exciting sample photos to show us how he can transform your Rhodia collectible into a truly personalized and prized L’Objet D’Art. And we’re not exaggerating here. This is the real deal. This Wharton grad is a graphic design specialist-cum-entrepreneur and Hollywood producer. So Etchstar’s work is a sure bet. It so happens that Ben’s a Rhodia fan, so the orange notebook is close to his heart. Etchstar has literally thousands of designs, so you guys wont be stuck with a smiley, even if you want Sting. Not that there’s anything wrong with a smiley. :) Other samples include Warhol, Marilyn Monroe and Pink Floyd among others. To see some other super-cool designs, check out the Etchstar’s Flickr page or the blog, and see for yourself! One of our favorites is Gian Altomari’s customized MacBook pro, because we’re also a MacBook owner. Now, we’re green with envy.

Via Ben Katz of Etchstar.

Cracking the Mysterious Code

July 13th, 2008 01:07:02

There is a mystery that’s keeping the scientific community and code-breakers, the world over, in suspended animation. Not so long ago, Fermi Lab, a suburban Chicago research center for high-energy physics, received in the mail a piece of paper with writings, which to many might as well be gibberish. Puzzled with letter and eager to solve the code, the science institution named after 1938 Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi, solicited people throughout the world to help crack the code. It set up a frenzy online, and resulted in some preliminary solutions. Still, the mystery remains. Here’s how the Chicago Tribune reported it the other day:

Hundreds of people from around the world responded and several of them quickly deciphered part of the hidden message, discovering to their surprise that it named an 86-year-old retired physicist from Princeton University who designed some of Fermilab’s first experimental tools.

But one section of the cipher continues to resist any solution, and no one knows the sender’s identity—though many suspect the author was a lab insider.

The keys to the mystery have taken code-breakers on a romp that encompasses Fermi’s earliest days in the 1960s, the cryptic jargon of computer programming and high-energy physics, and the power of “crowdsourcing,” or unleashing a problem on the collective intelligence of an Internet community.

Can you crack the code?

Photo via Symmetry Breaking

Flickr Friday: Of Rhodia, Zipits and Baby Treeson

July 11th, 2008 12:07:17

What are those little creatures? That’s the first thing that came up to our mind when we stumbled upon Sam’s Flickr page. The other day, we excitedly asked this Rhodia fan if we cold feature him here. We got more than we asked for. Not only did Sam gave us his permission, he opened the door for us to enter into the new world of collectibles! We were particularly curious about “Baby Treeson”, the spiny toy guarding the Rhodia pad. We probed further, and we were also introduced to Zipits and the very cutesy, Wish Come True toy collection featuring Coco, Fluffy Pop, Malfi, Buddy Chub, Popo and Mr. TTT. We absolutely had no idea! Obviously, we need to update our vocabulary. It’s like stumbling into Alice in Wonderland’s toy story edition. But it’s all good because we feel like a kid again!

Flickr Photos via Samuel Rhodes

The Amateur Economist reviews Rhodia Webnotebook

July 10th, 2008 02:07:58

A Rhodia booster alerted us to a review of the Rhodia Webnotebook. It’s by Chris, a Ron Paul supporter, a martial arts aficionado and the man behind The Amateur Economist. From the latest G8 Summit to the federal subsidy program, from pre-fabricated house designs to pencils, our Rhodia reviewer has something noteworthy to say. Here’s his recent review of the newly-minted Rhodia Webnotebook:

I was VERY glad to get the Rhodia Large Webnotebook in my hands last week, and I can’t reveal my sources. I understand that as of now these are not yet formally available in the U.S. ;-)
(Be sure to see some of the good pics at the official Rhodia Webnotebook site.)

The catalyst for this review was the fine work and review of the Rhodia Webnotebook at Black Cover. I agree, the name is rather awkward.

The first thing that struck me was the material of the cover. Whereas the Moleskine material is like oilcloth or something similar, the Webnotebook almost feels somewhat ‘rubbery’ for lack of a better word. I wouldn’t have guessed that I would like that, but I really do. Rhodia describes the cover material as ‘leatherette.’ The notebook also has an integrated cloth bookmark and elastic band. It’s lined/ruled which I prefer, instead of blank or quadrille.

Thanks Chris for the review! We look forward to your many constructive opinions about Rhodia, and your next analysis of the economic policy of Barack Obama and John McCain.

Review and photos via The Amateur Economist

A Winner at Wimbledon

July 6th, 2008 11:07:25

Aside from notebooks, we’re enamored with tennis. So forgive us for the sports reference we’re making for the second week in a row. And both with Spanish connection. Earlier today, we were treated to a game for the record books: The Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer Wimbledon 2008 Championship. It was just pure energy, and we could not keep ourselves still while watching the match that lasted for four hours and 48 minutes (six plus if you count the rain). It was riveting to say the least, and at the end of the day our favorite player from Mallorca prevailed in a stunning fashion. We could not be happier for Rafa that he finally conquered the grass court. Rafa also made history by becoming the first player in 28 year history, to win the British and French Opens in one year. The photo above was not taken during the historic clash, but we love it because it shows him wearing what is apparently his color of choice, orange. Of course orange is our color of choice and in France, the birthplace of Rhodia notebook, it has a long history and significance. They even have a cellphone company named after it, aside from southern French town of Orange. And speaking of the French connection, Rafa’s also this year’s French Open, his 4th win at Roland Garros. The Sunday game was a fitting close to our three-day 4th of July weekend here in the US. To our beloved Rafa, Bravo!

Happy 4th of July!

July 4th, 2008 02:07:29

“I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal.“

Rhodia and Football

June 30th, 2008 08:06:41

Today, allow us to be swept by the football fever that gripped Spain. Save for our participation in last year’s Chicago Marathon and swimming in college, we’re not really that sporty. But, we’re also a news junkie so we do follow sporting events. And we do love those winning moments. So for hours now, we’ve been hooked to the Euro 2008, which just ended with a long-sought victory for Espana. From Andalucia to Galicia and Catalonia, the whole of this Iberian state is celebrating, after winning the 2008 Cup, only it’s second in more than 40 years. So indeed it’s a huge, huge celebration. Even King Juan Carlos was in the audience during the final match against Germany. One sports critic dubbed it the “Beautiful Game.” Football, or soccer as it is popularly called here in America, is the most popular sports in the world. And we’re genuinely interested, albeit our knowledge of it is rather limited. But mind you, Rhodia actually has some football connection it being a sponsor of the French Olympic soccer team. In Lyon, France there’s even a Rhodia Football Club, although we’re not too sure if it’s related to the company. Is there anyone out there in the Rhodia world wants to share their own sporting moments? Oh, actually, we’ve got one more to share: A top boxer autographed our orange pad. But that’s probably for another entry. For now, we say, Viva Futbol!

Flickr Friday: Grannykass

June 27th, 2008 11:06:32

We love Grannykass here at RhodiaDrive. She’s one of the first to join us on Flickr and the very first to subscribe to our YouTube account. But we envy her youthful spirit and vitality. As she fondly says, “Over the Hill and still thinking like a 20 something.” Indeed, Grannykass is a kid at heart. She’s an avid collectors of pens and notebooks. Of course her collection wouldn’t be complete without the trusty Rhodia. She’s also a prolific writer so the pens and notebooks come in handy. As you can see, Grannykass also loves to travel and explore nature. We suspect her adventures keep her “20 something” joie de vivre.

Flickr photos via Grannykass

RhodiaDrive in Konigi!

June 23rd, 2008 12:06:00

We’re so thrilled! We’ve been mentioned in the design portal Konigi! A big shoutout is due to the design genius from New York, Michael Angeles, the self-confessed information geek behind this year-old project. Konigi is basically a gallery of designs that takes you to a world you may not have wandered into before. It’s a virtual candy store for design aficionados, with the screen shots of the websites as the merchandise. Only better: It’s for free. But no, Konigi is not taken from Japanese mountain where the Goddess of Sun, Amaterasu’s sanctuary is located. Rather, it’s a “nonsensical riff” on the Esperanto word “koni”, which means, “to know”, according to the website’s creator. Now you know. To satisfy our curiosity, we’ve searched further and we also learned that Esperanto is an obscure language that dates as far back as the late 19th century. It’s mostly spoken by Jewish people and was banned during the time of Hitler in Germany and Stalin in Russia. But that’s for a separate thesis paper.

Flickr Friday: ThudButt

June 20th, 2008 04:06:12

Almost every Friday now, we’ve noticed that we have become fixated with things Japanese. This Friday is not an exception. Although we hesitate to conclude that this will become a regular enterprise. Let’s just say, it’s just a bunch of coincidence. So coincidence it is! We don’t know where the name originates, but we can assure you that our featured Flickr friend, and Rhodia fan ThudButt has nothing to do with body parts. Far from it. ThudButt is our guy from Japan who apparently loves sushi and likes to hang out with his friends. Who doesn’t? His many photos capture so many fun times with friends in his hometown of Japan.

Flickr Friday via ThudButt

A Love Story from Nice

June 15th, 2008 11:06:46

Allow us to daydream and let our minds wander to the south of France, if only for a few virtual minutes. As the weather in the Windy City veers from stormy to muggy, we’re tempted to frolic in the beach. Nice is the famous European getaway of princesses and Hollywood royalties. And it is where our love story blossomed, with a Vegas twist to it. No, it doesn’t involve celebrities, but it’s as heartwarming as any romantic flick. But yes, the trusty Rhodia notebook has something to do with it.

Greetings from Nice, France. My name is Claudia and I would like to share with you my Journalisimo moment.

Many years back a couple of girlfriends and myself went on a cross country ride in the United States. We ended up in Las Vegas and had the best of times. In my purse was a Rhodia notebook. On a whim, I started writing down the addresses and phone numbers of all the new friends we met. On our last night I left the notebook in a bar and thought I lost it. The next morning, it was waiting for me at the concierge as we checked out. A young man (then) had apparently found my trusty Rhodia and returned it to my hotel. To my pleasant surprise, he added his own information on the last page!

Read the rest of the story on Journalismo.

Happy Father’s Day!

June 15th, 2008 01:06:24

Flickr Friday: Bizmac

June 13th, 2008 12:06:45

Every time we revisit the Land of the Rising Sun, virtually that is, we are always filled with a sense of nostalgia. It was there where we had our first taste of shabu shabu, our first and so far, only encounter of Sumo wrestlers, and our first snow. This Friday, we return once again to the land that invented karaoke and bento boxes. This time, it’s courtesy of another Nihon-jin, Bizmac, another Rhodia as well as Iphone fanatic who is really fond of taking pictures from all over Japan. Which only makes us wanting for more of things Japanese. As we’re enjoying his photography, we spotted a bunch of sushi pictures. And it only made us hungry at 20 minutes past midnight in Chicago.

On a separate note, we would like to ask you guys to send us more photos of your Rhodia travels. We would really like to keep up with our “Where in the World is my Rhodia?” segment. Paging people from Brazil, or London, or Madrid, or Timbuktu! Wherever you are in the world, please send us your photos with the backdrop featuring the cities you’re in, or the most popular landmark of the place you’re at (Mt. Fuji? The Eiffel? The Grand Canyon?). You can upload it in our Flickr group or email it to us with the corresponding captions. Send it to us, and we’ll feature you on drive, Rhodia Drive. Have a great weekend ahead folks!
Flickr Photos via Bizmac

Wality on Rhodia

June 9th, 2008 01:06:37

This clever pic caught our attention while surfing the net, and our curiosity was enkindled. What’s a Wality we asked? It sounds like a cute name for a stuff animal! From the land of Maharajahs and Mahakavyas, this fountain pen has emanated. Manufactured by Airmail Pen Co. in India, Wality is a line of pens, whose reputation has only increased after more than half a century of being crafted. One reviewer, calls this product as “a smooth writing pen” that “holds a ton of ink.” Another reviewer from FountainPenNetwork.com writes, “for a very inexpensive pen, there are no inconsistencies I notice. The pen looks exactly as advertised and certainly meets my expectations.” Do you have your own “Wality” experience, pleasant or otherwise? How does it work with your Rhodia pad? What’s the fountain pen brand you would recommend that is best suited for Rhodia? We would like to hear from you guys. Soon!

Flickr Friday: Lexi_con

June 6th, 2008 10:06:24

Flickr Photos via Lexi_con

This is a Flickr badge showing public photos from the Rhodia Drive group pool. Make your own badge here.

Rhodia at Flickr

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