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Reposted by DrAKMulA

Ify Nwadiwe @ifycomedy.com · 11h

I think we really should stop using antifa and just fully say anti-fascist and get them saying they are against anti fascism. Using antifa is giving them some distance and I genuinely think some of their base don’t even know that’s what it stands for.

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Reposted by DrAKMulA

DrAKMulA @akma.bsky.social · 16h

Back from the London Fountain Pen Show, where I showed championship restraint and came home with several small utility items (pen stands, Waterman CF carts, converters) 2 bottles of ink (1 a gift), and a notebook for my dear one.

Helpful signage for the London Pen Show inviting visitors to view vintage and modern pens, consult vendors on collecting, valuation, repairs, nibs, and so on, and that then doesn’t say ‘Prepare to spend more than you thought you could afford’.

I came home with two black pen rests, three small sample vials, a box of Waterman CF cartridges, and two bottles of Diamine shimmering ink special to Hong Kong: Kong Girls purple, and Enkindle (a honey-gold).

A crowd with tables and tables of ink, paper, and pen vendors and hungry shoppers.

The crowd at the pen show from a different angle

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DrAKMulA @akma.bsky.social · 16h

I have heard many affirm the old school nothing-but-elbow-grease approach, but my elbows aren't as greasy as they once were.
Every other specific approach to polishing, though, seems to have detractors who offer reasoned concerns about preservation. Is an aching arm really the only way?

DrAKMulA @akma.bsky.social · 16h

Speaking (as I just was) about keeping fountain pens in top form, I was nearly blinded by the beautiful gloss on practically all the pens. This calls to mind the big question: how do you polish?

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DrAKMulA @akma.bsky.social · 16h

I also should dedicate some time and £ to making sure every pen I now have is in prime condition.

DrAKMulA @akma.bsky.social · 16h

It was great to see pals from my Glasgow years — Peter Crook from Carneil Pens, and Eric 'Eckiethump' Wright of Edinburgh — and to meet John Sorowka from my current environs.

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DrAKMulA @akma.bsky.social · 16h

Any time I really want another pen, I should look at all my Parker 45s or 51s, my Sheaffer Imperials, maybe even my humbler Pelikans, and trade three or four of them to ameliorate the cost of a single costlier pen.

But my gracious, the pens at the show are exquisitely lovely.

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DrAKMulA @akma.bsky.social · 16h

There are several pens I would like to have one of, most of which I won’t. A handsome Sheaffer PFM; a Myu (I was shown one and it was a thrill just to touch it); a Vacumatic. An oversize Sheaffer Balance. But from now on, I think I must be in ‘consolidate and trade’ mode.

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DrAKMulA @akma.bsky.social · 16h

I realised while I was there that I’ve reached an inflection point: I have too many pens to be a casual collector, one who’ll buy yet another Targa or German school pen or Waterman 515 when I already have plenty, just for the rush — but I’m not ready, not even interested to be a serious collector.

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DrAKMulA @akma.bsky.social · 16h

Back from the London Fountain Pen Show, where I showed championship restraint and came home with several small utility items (pen stands, Waterman CF carts, converters) 2 bottles of ink (1 a gift), and a notebook for my dear one.

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Reposted by DrAKMulA

Harry Smart @munross.bsky.social · 21h

The NHS spends £billions paying off loan shark debts .. PFI - Private Finance Initiatives

Wes Streeting wants more money for the loan sharks

Help @everydoctor.org.uk defend an NHS where the money goes to helping staff care for patients

everydoctor.org.uk/stand-with-n...

Stand With NHS Staff and Patients: Sign the EveryDoctor Charter – EveryDoctor

everydoctor.org.uk

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