” The man that hath no music in himself
Nor is not mov’d with concord of sweet sounds
Is fit for treason, stratagems, and spoils.”
from The Merchant of Venice, v.i. 83-85
You know, Tree Toads, I think that’s ultimately what’s wrong with these political wienieheads….. you could substitute “bonsai” for “music”, add some tree language in v. 84, and we’d all be better off. But you and I, Brethern and Cistern, do not have to act like these vicious little rabid field mice….. No— we have our trees to remind us of more beautiful things and more joyous activities. AND, many of you got a good hard dose of such activities two weeks ago. Ain’t wiring fun, Burl Butts? We separated the dilettantes from the serious people over THAT weekend, and though some of the feeble-spirited among you may drop the whole idea of bonsai and go back to worm tattooing or some such mindless pursuit, I sense that many of you are hooked. I hope you had a good experience over there…..
Several of you new werewolves expressed a desire to buy tools. Here is my Final Wisdom on that topic: If you are rolling in the $$$, consider going to the top of the heap and buying the venerable Masakuni brand. You will need an 8″ branch cutter, an 8″ wire cutter, and a #002 shears. The best source is direct from Japan at Bonsai Network Japan. Each tool is 8800 yen, which means about $300 for all three, and they will last forever. Don’t get involved in any “$pecially made” $tuff, though Dr. Martin did go a little above the basic line and bought the coated Masakuni’s, which seem beautiful. There are a number of mid-range Japanese-made brands that are somewhat less, such as Kaneshin and Fujiyama (sold by Dallas Bonsai) that are very good. My strong recommendation is that you go to Tian Bonsai— either on Amazon or on Ebay– and, if you can pony-up the $160.00, buy either set # JTTK-02, JTTK-04, or JTTK 05( though you will have to add a shears to #5, which has all other cutters you will need for awhile). If money’s tight, buy any or all of the basic three individuals: Master’s 8″ wire cutter@ $40.00; Master’s 8″ shears @ 38.00; and/or Master’s 8″ Branch cutter@ 38.00. I’d start with a shears, then wire cutter, then branch cutter. The reviews from our Clubbies have been good on these Tian’s, and the Amazon reviews are also good — with a couple of stupid exceptions. “Paul”at Tian is a great guy to deal with, and very fast shipper, as is “Maki-san” at Bonsai Network Japan, BTW.
Now, to more mundane subjects— In the Great Tool Commune of 10/15 & 10/16, several tools probably went home in the wrong boxes. George and I wound up with a stainless rake/spatula thing of unknown ownership. Bring all orphans on Saturday, and we’ll trade. I hate to bring up any unpleasantness or bad confusion, but if anyone found a red handled Felco shears, it’s ours. There was some suggestion that it was pilfered by a once-trusted outgoing officer of our Club, and Dr. Horak reported seeing one in the window of a Central Ave. pawnshop this week, but he was too busy “trying to find a date”( as he quaintly calls this activity) to check it out.
OK— Is there any other bullcorn that needs attention?? We should have a fine program on Saturday at the Church, and we shall answer any and all questions.
john