Story via CNN, U.S. Postal Service Posts $3.8 Billion Loss
It's been speculated for a while that the U.S. Postal Service would eliminate a day of mail service in order to save money, and this news story does nothing but bolster the idea.
How affected or frustrated would you be with the elimination of Saturday mail service? Or, would you prefer that the postal service raise the cost of stamps, by perhaps $.10 each?
November 16, 2009
Sigwalt Chicago No. 10
While I have largely kept my latest hobby out of my posts on Everyday Correspondence, I have actually gotten quite into printmaking. I began with cut linoleum stamps, and moved on to letterpress style printing on a repurposed cylinder press to make cards and invitations for friends. That entire time, I had my eye on purchasing a tabletop platen press. And a couple of weeks ago, I finally purchased one.
This little baby is a Sigwalt Chicago No. 10 printing press. It has a printable area of 3" x 5", small, but what I could afford. It's in relatively good shape, all the parts move properly, and it came with a roller in decent condition (not pictured). I plan on doing mild restoration to the piece, as there is some rust and peeled/worn paint.
Notice the still vibrant hand painted details on the sides of the press and the gold piping that adorns the contours of the cast iron pieces.
I have a can of WD-40 and a 3M scrubby at the ready, and boy, am I ready to get to work!
November 15, 2009
Valedictions
This is the first post in a three part guest series by PNT.
Letter closings are a not inconsequential part of writing a letter, but there’s a temptation to get stuck in a rut. Particularly in the workaday world of email, when one tends to fire off emails in salvos, a meaningful closing can be a distraction. The body of the letter is short and declarative; sudden poetry right at the end can cause the reader to hiccup right as he’s mentally preparing for takeoff. Thus, writers have a tendency to find something serviceable and unassuming and stick with it. For me, it’s “Cheers”. It’s pleasant, slightly Anglic and faintly cavalier. I like it, and for most things I write, it does just fine. One-size-fits-all closings can miss an opportunity, though.
The closing -- commonly called the "valediction," as the counterpart to the salutation -- tells the reader in what spirit the missive was written. Particularly in letters, where the handwriting and the signature have distinct personality, the last word should, too. One wouldn’t write “Yours Truly,” at the end of a credit card offer, any more than a distant love would be content with sending his “Cordial regards,”. A good closing will echo and reinforce the theme of the letter, stated or not. It can add a bit of drama or a last punchline. My challenge to myself, and to you, if you wish to play along, is to not miss the opportunity. Take a moment, play around with words, and see if you can't surprise your reader with something pleasant, clever, and unexpected.
Next Sunday, Part II: 5 Types of Valedictions to Expand Your Repertories.
PNT is a full time law student, part time gentleman adventurer, and inveterate logophile who currently hangs his hat in Washington, D.C.
Letter closings are a not inconsequential part of writing a letter, but there’s a temptation to get stuck in a rut. Particularly in the workaday world of email, when one tends to fire off emails in salvos, a meaningful closing can be a distraction. The body of the letter is short and declarative; sudden poetry right at the end can cause the reader to hiccup right as he’s mentally preparing for takeoff. Thus, writers have a tendency to find something serviceable and unassuming and stick with it. For me, it’s “Cheers”. It’s pleasant, slightly Anglic and faintly cavalier. I like it, and for most things I write, it does just fine. One-size-fits-all closings can miss an opportunity, though.
The closing -- commonly called the "valediction," as the counterpart to the salutation -- tells the reader in what spirit the missive was written. Particularly in letters, where the handwriting and the signature have distinct personality, the last word should, too. One wouldn’t write “Yours Truly,” at the end of a credit card offer, any more than a distant love would be content with sending his “Cordial regards,”. A good closing will echo and reinforce the theme of the letter, stated or not. It can add a bit of drama or a last punchline. My challenge to myself, and to you, if you wish to play along, is to not miss the opportunity. Take a moment, play around with words, and see if you can't surprise your reader with something pleasant, clever, and unexpected.
Next Sunday, Part II: 5 Types of Valedictions to Expand Your Repertories.
PNT is a full time law student, part time gentleman adventurer, and inveterate logophile who currently hangs his hat in Washington, D.C.
November 14, 2009
Tiki Stationery
A pen pal recently wrote to me on some very chic tiki themed stationery. Above you can see the fun bamboo print on the envelope of the letter as well as the funky sticker used to keep down the flap.
The party continued inside, where I was greeted by this image in the upper left corner of the first page. I think it's a hilarious scene, because it begs so many questions. For example, why is the bartender upset, because he received small remuneration? And why is that shriner at the bar so dismayed... did he run out of cash, was he rejected by the woman at the end of the bar? I want to know! But alas, I doubt that I'll ever find out.
What's your take on the situation?
Ink Swatch: Stipula Musk Green
Oooooh, I really like this Stipula Musk Green. It seems like the sort of ink one would use to write a letter from a camping trip, or to write a letter from the top of a mountain. It is very earthy and has nice shading. Four stars.
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