Wiser Web Wednesday – a semi-regular link to posts of interest from around the web, by those far wiser than myself:

 

Macdrifter
Taken in the context of my recent post about the Ulysses update, this is a clear demonstration of how your mileage may vary.

Not long after writing that post, I dragged about 150 files from an iCloud folder to Dropbox within Ulysses, then added an additional 130 or so files to the same one from another Dropbox folder while at my Mac. All files dutifully appeared across my devices in the Dropbox “External folder” I’d added to Ulysses.

Although it was a decent amount, it is a far cry from a couple of thousand text files as reported here. Worth reading if you are considering Ulysses and whether or not it will suit your particular purpose:
Ulysses for iOS Updated with Dropbox Sync

 

Practically Efficient
Following on from the link above, Eddie Smith describes his reticence to continue with Ulysses after an initial foray — with future-proofing as the main concern:

So eventually I stopped doing much personal writing in Ulysses because most of my personal writing is highly fragmented—bits and pieces of thoughts that sometimes sit idle for years before coalescing with other things.

My own use of Ulysses for blog posts is typically an in and out scenario, where, over a few weeks to a month, they are drafted, written, edited, published and archived (one copy remains in an iCloud folder as a .ulysses file, another in Dropbox as a plain text file). For me personally, other bits of text are found in Drafts on iOS, or nvALT on the Mac, with notes containing additional data such as links and photos within Apple Notes.

Enough about my thoughts though, and a fair call by Eddie in pointing out that batch exporting the Ulysses files to plain text in a Dropbox folder is perhaps “future proof enough”.

This one sent through to me by a friend of the blog — thank you kind sir:
Ulysses batch export

 

Gourmet Pens
Azizah with a review of the Australian made Blackstone ink Barrier Reef Blue (available from local online retailer Just Write).

A mighty fine-looking ink if you ask me, and it has certainly never been a better time to sample some Australian made inks:
Gourmet Pens Ink Shot Review: Blackstone Barrier Reef Blue

 

Macchiato Man
Another impressive looking blue ink, in the Kobe #38. As Yagan indicates in the post, given the similarity, investing in some Robert Oster Blue Night may be a more straight forward option.

It would appear though if you want that amazing sheen then the Kobe is what you need:
Ink Review: Kobe INK #38 Kitanozaka Night Blue

 

The Gentleman Stationer
If there is one thing we can count on as far as a pen show is concerned, it’s a great wrap up from Joe about what went on.

The D.C. Pen Show has come and gone for another year, and all that remains is to catch up on the various purchases made by those within the pen community.

In the meantime, here is some of what we missed:
2016 D.C. Pen Show Recap: Friday and Saturday

 

The Clicky Post
This would have to one of the more impressive collections of vintage stainless Pilot pens going around.

The striping is icing on the cake, and watching Mike’s video review of the set is a joy to behold:
Vintage Stainless Striped Pilot Pens – Video Review

 

The Pen Company Blog
Ian Hedley writing on The Pen Company blog about Lamy’s 14k gold nib.

I’ve always been happy with a good stainless steel nib, which you’ll generally find on most Lamy’s you purchase, however I also own one of the 14k gold nibs as well, and it is certainly an impressive writer.

What I consider the best part of the Lamy nib system, Ian also points out in the post:

One of the lovely things about Lamy pens is they all (except the 2000) use the same nibs and these nibs are very easily swapped (simply pull one nib off and push another one on)

My gold nib is currently sitting in my blue Safari, and isn’t that a joy to pick up and make a few notes with.

Perhaps worth considering if you have a few non-2000 Lamy pens which might enjoy a rotating gold nib:
Lamy Z55 14K bi-colour gold nib review

 

A Good Keen Savage
There is a lot to take in regarding water and coffee brewing in this post, let alone in an entire book which is the subject of this great review.

To sum up — water matters:
Water for Coffee – Book Review

 

Sprudge
Aside from the title, the post contains an accurate description of a new venture from Dutch entrepreneurs looking to source decent coffee, which at times may be found in homes rather than local cafes.

It’s called Coffee Shots, and its aim is to lead discerning coffee drinkers to the homes and personal workspaces of discerning baristas, be they amateur or professional.

Peer to peer crowdsourcing gains yet another addition, and although a sound idea, the proof will be in the cup, app, security and privacy all at the same time:
This New App Is Like Tinder For Coffee

 

Whiskysponge
An amusing take on a brand representation that probably suits, well… scotch and coke I guess.

All that remains is a dab behind the ears and you’ve got a new Beckham fragrance as well:
David Beckham: Master Distiller – A Whiskysponge Exclusive

 

Scotch Whisky
As this article states, many incidences of “corking” routinely go unnoticed, as the level of taint is below many a drinker’s perception. Of course that’s not to suggest this is always the case.

What is it? The main culprit is a chemical compound called 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA to its friends), which can be picked up at two parts per trillion (ppt) in the case of white wine. The level rises to 5ppt with red wines, and I’d assume it would be higher again in the case of oak-aged spirits.

Although the wine industry has moved increasingly towards screw-caps, not so whisky:

Whisky, on the other hand, is moving the other way and corks are now increasingly commonplace. As a result, it is inevitable that TCA infection will have risen.

Here’s to all of your bottles hopefully being TCA free:
Is there such a thing as corked whisky?

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