My former mechanical pencil, which was falling apart, finally met its demise on Thursday, when I lost it. I have no idea what happened to it, but I no longer have it in my possession. As such, it became necessary to find a new pencil. Going through one day (today) with a regular pencil was somewhat painful. At first I considered getting the same thing I had previously, which was a Japanese import, but then decided against it. Eventually I stumbled across a Swiss company, Caran d'Ache, who makes very nice writing instruments. Some of their products are a bit on the expensive side, but I was able to find a very nice all-metal pencil for $16. So far I have found it to be better than my old pencil, and it was actually made in Switzerland.

From the other side of the world, comes Uniqlo, a really great Japanese clothing retailer. They sell all sorts of high-quality basic clothing for incredibly low prices, with impeccably good service. From what I have read it sounds like Gap quality clothing for Old Navy prices with Saks Fifth Avenue service. Sounds pretty good to me. I just wish the first stores in the US were opening somewhere closer than New Jersey.