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The New Limited Edition Montblanc TimeWalker II TwinFly Chronograph GreyTech.




During the SIHH watch fair in Geneva, Frank Geelen of the watch blog Monochrome got his hands on time with the new Montblanc TimeWalker II TwinFly Chronograph GreyTech, one of the highlights of the show. The watch is a new ‘Monochrome’ version of the stainless steel TimeWalker TwinFly that Montblanc introduced last year.

The new Montblanc Timewalker Twinfly Chronograph “GreyTech” is a Limited edition (888 pieces) and has a 43mm titanium case, automatic mechanical Montblanc caliber LL1100 (column wheel, flyback chrono). The watch is expected to be available in autumn of 2012.



Geelen's review of the new watch:
"The Montblanc TimeWalker II TwinFly Chronograph GreyTech features the impressive in-house movement, calibre MB LL100. Like the first calibre-family, which is used in the magnificent Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph, it has a double mainspring barrel offering a power reserve of 72 hours and a twin flyback chronograph that is controlled through a column wheel and vertical clutch!

The in-house movement is very impressive and when considering the price of the TwinFly, it’s even better. The specifications and the fact it’s an in-house movement, are usually not found on watches in the same price range.



The case of the Montblanc TimeWalker II TwinFly Chronograph has the familiar TimeWalker design with skeletonized lugs. This particular GreyTech version, which is limited to 888 pieces, has a monochrome design. The dial is skeletonized to reveal the date wheel, which is grey with black numerals. The design of the case is in two tones of grey, both being the result of a different finish. The crown features the well-known Montblanc logo.



With a diameter of 43 mm it wears great and if you’re afraid it might be too large than by all means go and try one at a local AD. Because the case tapers from top to bottom, it wears relatively small, which is further enhanced because of the quite short lugs. Altogether it wears very comfortable. The material of the case, titanium, also adds to this because it’s quite light.



The Montblanc TimeWalker II TwinFly Chronograph GreyTech comes on a grey alligator strap, with a skeletonized titanium clasp.



The design of this version is quite distinct; sporty with an elegant touch. Not everybody likes a sporty watch and not everybody is into watches with a titanium case. During the SIHH I met several journalists, friends and other guests and discussed the timepiece with them. To my surprise everybody liked the watch and even before showing the watch, people were already staring at my wrist.



On Monochrome you can read a more extensive review. The conclusion will be the same; I’m (still) very impressed by the Montblanc TimeWalker II TwinFly Chronograph and I think the GreyTech with its ‘Monochrome’ design looks absolutely stunning." -- Frank Geelen for Monochrome



Specs:
Case: titanium
Diameter: 43mm
Height: 15.3mm
Water resistance: 30 meters
Movement: MB LL100 automatic
Jewels: 36
Frequency: 28’800 V/pH
Power Reserve: 72-hours
Functions: hours, minutes, flyback chrono, GMT, date
Strap: alligator strap

source: Montblanc

Three New York Meat and Cheese Lovers Go Vegan For Six Weeks and Get Vegucated.




Part sociological experiment and part adventure comedy, Vegucated is a award-winning documentary that follows three meat and cheese-loving New Yorkers from different backgrounds who, for six weeks, adopt a vegan diet and a whole new way of thinking about food.

Now, personally, I love my artery clogging animal parts and fat-laden dairy so much I fear I'd never participate in such an experiment. Nor, do I want to know the ugly truth behind how my meat is treated and prepared (I've seen all those tragic PETA films). That being said, the trailer for this documentary made me feel instantly shamed and admittedly piqued my curiosity.



Vegucated is a feature-length documentary that follows three meat and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks. There’s Brian, the bacon-loving bachelor who eats out all the time, Ellen, the single mom who prefers comedy to cooking, and Tesla, the college student who avoids vegetables and bans beans. They have no idea that so much more than steak is at stake and that the fate of the world may fall on their plates. Lured with true tales of weight lost and health regained, they begin to uncover hidden sides of animal agriculture and soon start to wonder whether solutions offered in films like Food, Inc. go far enough. Before long, they find themselves risking everything to expose an industry they supported just weeks before.


above: Marisa Miller Wolfson, Writer/Director/Editor

But can their conviction carry them when times get tough? What about on family vacations fraught with skeptical step-dads, carnivorous cousins, and breakfast buffets?

Part sociological experiment, part science class, and part adventure story, Vegucated showcases the rapid and at times comedic evolution of three people who share one journey and ultimately discover their own paths in creating a kinder, cleaner, greener world, one bite at a time.

If you are interested in renting/buying the DVD, taking the challenge for yourself, reading reviews of the film or learning more about the entire project, their sponsors and community groups, visit getvegucated.com

Stay On Coasters for Wine Glasses. Now That's An Idea That Holds Water.





This falls under the "Now, why didn't I think of that?" category. Mother and daughter fashion and design team from Iceland, Dimmalimm, did and call them "Stay On Coasters." Cute felt coasters that attach to the bottom of your wine glass, attractively absorbing any condensation the glass may leave on a surface.




The coasters, which slip onto the base of your glass in two sizes, perform double duty - protecting surfaces and helping to distinguish ownership of the beverage.


above: Hibiscus, Fest and Citrus are the three designs available.

The wool/ rayon blend of coasters absorb condensation and can be hand washed and simply laid flat to dry. Three different designs and several different colors are available and sets can be mixed and matched.






See their site for details regarding sizes and prices.

Note: these are on sale for 30% off at Fab.com right now and for the week. If you aren't already a member, use the invite link below:
http://fab.com/y06r4g

Burn Wood, Baby, Burn. The Incredible Pyrographic Art of Julie Bender.





When I first came across these, I found it so hard to believe they were actually wood burnings. The intricate rendering of texture, the detail and the overall appearance seems as though it'd be virtually impossible to create with a pyrographic tool. Julie Bender has shown me otherwise.

NOTE: all the images in this post are copyrighted by the artist and may not be reproduced or used without express written permission from Julie Bender.

Wood burning (aka Pyrography) is an old-fashioned art and nowadays often reserved for camp arts and crafts projects. Artist Julie Bender elevates the centuries old tradition and depicts animals and birds with an incredibly deft hand - bringing hair, fur and feathers to life on a piece of maple wood.



Inspired by animals and nature – and her Canon EOS Rebel T1i digital camera – Bender's process begins by compiling inspiring photographs and penciling in her subjects on a well-sanded maple surface with a keen sense of composition and attention to wood grain.



Light-handed strokes and smooth, subtle shading using very tiny tips characterizes her technique. She finds her personality well-suited for the challenge of this exigent art form as well as the extreme patience and considerable time that is required of her work.



Julie, pictured above, states: “This unusual medium still has me marveling over the fact that my subjects may be brought to life solely by applying heat to wood.”

Below are a selection of some of my favorite pieces of hers. Many still available for purchase.

Wild Animals:








Her work consists of pyrographic renderings of wild animals, birds, dogs and horses. Each work is produced on grade A northern maple veneer, sealed with protective finish, signed on front and back and individually numbered and dated on back.

Equine / Horses:







Avian / Birds:








Canine / Dogs:





A background of Pyrography from Julie:
Pyrography, the art of burning or scorching on a natural surface was an art form practiced since the dawn of recorded time by Egyptian and African tribesmen fascinated by the mysterious beauty and power of fire. Defined in traditional terms, pyrography is the art of drawing with fire; using a heated tip or wire to burn or scorch designs onto natural surfaces such as wood and leather.

In the late 19th Century, Melbourne architect Alfred Smart discovered a way to pump benzoline fumes through a heated hollow platinum pencil in order to improve upon the pokerwork process and allowing the addition of tinting and shading that previously were impossible. In the early 20th century, the development of the electric pyrographic hot wire wood etching machine further automated the pokerwork process.

Modern day pyrography is typically done with solid-point tools, which resemble but are more sophisticated than soldering irons or hot wire tools. These tools are electrically heated by equipment that may allow temperatures to be adjusted, thereby producing a great range of natural tones and shades. Subtle or bold effects may be achieved, depending on many factors, including heat, pressure, type of wood or surface, and tool tips used.

Julie's technique is to use tools that allow her flexibility to develop her unique style. Light, gradual strokes and smooth, subtle shading are her hallmark in attaining fine detail in each work of art. When it comes to pyrography, Julie considers herself a purist. The wood and grain she uses is selected carefully for best composition and aesthetics.


"Borrowing from the ancient craft of wood-burning, I attempt to portray the natural world in fresh ways to express my profound appreciation of animals and nature. I am moved by the graceful synthesis of a smooth wooden surface and the heat infused within to create rich sepia. As I ‘paint with heat,’ I feel a certain parallel between the wild and natural spirits that embody my subjects and the organic and distinctively unforgiving nature of my medium." - Julie Bender

NOTE: all the images in this post are copyrighted by the artist and may not be reproduced or used without express written permission from Julie Bender.

See (and purchase) all of Julie Bender's beautiful work here.

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