[Write the Story] Conversation on a Train
Prompt: Conversation on a Train
Words: unicorn, enslave, steak, maw, plunge, wrothy, recoil, absolve, suspenders, worldwide
Story
Geraldine plunged through teaming throngs heading up the ramp. The boarding portal a gaping maw swallowing families whole. She fought the urge to reoil when another potential passenger brushed against her.
“Car six, compartment seven. Enjoy your journey and welcome aboard Transplanetary Railway.â€
Geraldine smiled tightly at the ticket bot and boarded the train to another world. Something she never thought possible, something she’d never be worthy of. But here she was.
Geraldine, after she settled in, went to dinner.
“Have the steak.†Her dining companion tucked a linen napkin in purple unicorn suspenders. “It’s real meat.â€
“But how?†she asked. “Cattle are no longer enslaved to the dietary dictates of consumption.â€
The being, a lean being whose bulbous head and sucker tipped appendages waved uncertainly. “Perhaps that is simply your worldwide criteria. Or perhaps your species has been absolved of your guilt.â€
“What do you know of guilt?â€
The being stretched tentacles wide. “All sentients have guilt. Yours is newer and shiny. Rich like steak. You have much to learn.â€
“That’s why I’m here. And why I…just why.â€
“And that is why you are at my table, young explorer. Your curiosity is a bright light among these who’ve gone on before. They don’t see the wonder you do. Let us explore together. At least a while.â€
“But I don’t know you or vice versa.â€
“Let us learn together.â€
Word Count: 229
Written: 8/27/2019
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pilot Opt – Stardust – 0.7mm ballpoint
We return to Pilot this week late, as seems usual for this time of year.. This is the Pilot Opt ballpoint pen with the Stardust body. This is just a darned cool looking pen.
This is one of Pilot’s “fashion” ballpoint pen lines. The Stardust is a navy blue barrel with silver glitter for a shimmering star field look. The grip is black rubber with a fluid seam between the barrel and the grip — and from the grip to the bright metal tip. The spring loaded black clip and cap are sturdy, the Jetpens page says it’s “rated” to clip 100,000 times without breaking. Which is good, because I fidget with it. The plunger is a black core with a clear cap. It’s just a tiny bit over 5.75″ long – which is a smidge longer than “typical” for a ballpoint and a bit wider to make it just that much more comfortable.
The ink comes in a metal conical tip with a smooth line. The 0.7mm point makes a decent line. I’m not seeing the actual contents of the ink, but it feels like the low viscosity ink that comes in the Acroball. There is some smearing on slick paper, but the line is good and there’s not much in the way of glops.
This pen is available on JetPens and is very affordable. It’s also refillable with the Pilot BPRF refills in the four most common colors – black, blue, green, and red. I LOVE that this comes in a 0.7mm – and ONLY in a 0.7mm. And according to some of the comments – these refills also work in the B2Ps if you remember that review.
To the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 It’s good. It feels like it has the low viscosity ink for a smooth writing experience. The retractor works well. The tip is solid and smooth.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s a solid, comfortable – slightly longer and wider than typical but in a good way.
3. Material – 1 It’s a heavy plastic – almost resin feel – with a solid clip and metal accents.
4. Overall Design – 1 – I like this design. Not only is it gorgeous, it fits my hand and works well as a pen. .
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s an okay price point for a ballpoint – they run $3.30, but these are running out. The refills run $1 a piece. You can only get these online, they’re not in US stores.
4 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] The Main Character Ignored the Warning Label
Prompt: The Main Character Ignored the Warning Label
Words: comedian, commission, trump, bamboo, bombastic, vast, blonde, gross, sophisticated, giraffe
Story
“I told you…â€
“So. You told me so, Mira. I get it. I made a mistake.†Peter huddled behind the potted bamboo plant.
“You know someone as sophisticated as you look about as inconspicuous as a giraffe hiding like this.†Mira sipped her drink, eyes dancing.
“Always the comedian, Mira.†Peter took a long drink of his blonde ale. He wrinkled his nose. “I thought this would be…better.â€
“The wizard told you there would be side effects.†Mira peered through the leaves. “There was a even a label on the potion bottle.â€
“What does it say about you that you drank after me?†Peter snapped. Then he bolted upright. “Did you hear that? He’s coming.â€
“I still can’t believe you made such a gross error in your incantation.†Mira slid next to him. “You should get your money back on this spell commission.â€
“Well—â€
“Well what? What did you do?â€
His answer was drowned out in the musical blare of musical instruments. The bombastic din went along with the stories he’d always heard about Trump, but this wasn’t what he had in mind when he’d made his request for a glimpse into the human realms. But was the thing with Humans – there was a vast difference between them, and they had no idea how they influenced other realms. But still a president… That’s when he realized Mira was no longer with him.
Word Count: 233
Written: 8/22/2019
[Pen/Pencil Review] Sharks are Still Cool When They’re Pens
I’m doing a rerun this week because 1) I’m looking at another color version of this pen; 2) I kinda forgot yesterday was Tuesday. Why did I forget that? Because I’m in the middle of teaching a 3-day – with some help – class for work. It’s been a huge undertaking for many reasons. It seems to be going well, but dang, I’m tired. And something’s in the air that does not agree with me. I have another day of this class to go then a presentation and concert on Saturday. Therefore…repeat performance.
_____________________
I’d like to say that I don’t buy pens on a whim…but I can’t type that with a straight face and you won’t read it with one. Because we all totally know that isn’t true. This is one of them. Goulet Pen Company had a special for Shark Week last week – the Jinhao 993 Shark Fountain pen with an extra fine nib on sale. The pens came in black, white, blue, and lavender. Kinda had to do it.
This is a decent fountain pen line from China. Because it was so ridiculously inexpensive, I didn’t have any major expectations of these pens, but was amazingly surprised by how well the extra fine nib worked considering it’s a SHARK THEMED FOUNTAIN PEN. Seriously. Adorable shark themed fountain pens. I bought the black and white – because obviously GREAT WHITE SHARK PEN.
These pens are just under 5.0″ long capped and 6.0″ with the cap posted. The barrel is plastic with viewing windows to show ink levels. The grip is smooth plastic but with triangular cuts that make it ergonomic. The grip design does help to hold the pen “correctly” and comfortably. The cap does post firmly, and though it’s light plastic, it’s got a good feel for the tapered body. There’s no clip to the cap, but it has a FIN!
The nib is “extra fine” stainless steel which makes it a nice line with little scratching and has some flexibility to it. The pens came with a converter, so I started the Great White with Private Reserve Dakota Red and the black with Scribal Workshop Nessie (which is a purple). The pen will take international short cartridges, and the grip is clear, so you can see the ink levels.
It was a good deal with a better than expected grip and a fun shark shape that just makes me happy. Goulet still has these for sale – regularly $3.95. Shark Week had them on sale, but that’s still a great price for a really decent pen.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works like it’s supposed to. The nib is smooth and solid. The barrel is light but well-balanced with a good feel. The nib feels strong, like it won’t bend if you’re heavy-handed writer.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – They make an effort for ergonomics. Though there’s not an “grippy” parts, it’s all smooth plastic, the grip is designed to fit comfortably in the hand.
3. Material – 1 – It is what it is, a plastic shark-shaped pen. It’s light but comfortable. The nib has a black plastic sleeve that helps moderate drips. There is no clip to the cap, but that’s okay.
4. Overall Design – 1 – I love these silly little pens. They’re a touch long, but good for the price. Converter challenges are on me – I get inks on me. But they’re so much fun!
5. Price Point – 1 – It’s $4 full price. That’s super cheap, but only available online at Goulet Pen Company. But it comes with a nice little note from the person who lovingly packs your box. Mine was done by Christopher. It was very well done.
That’s 5 of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] A Family Gathering on a Holiday
Prompt: A Family Gathering on a Holiday
Words: rabbi, irony, bamboozle, sturgeon, bale, reserve, vanquish, submerge, plum, rhetorical
Story
“You know, some families do plum pudding during the holidays.” Graham wrinkled his nose as he snagged a cookie on his way through the overly warm kitchen.
“Your rhetorical observations are getting old. ” Callie swatted him with a towel before submerging the sturgeon in its brine bath. “I wouldn’t let Gran hear you say anything like that. She doesn’t do sarcasm, irony, or emoji talk well you know. She might vanquish you from the kitchen all together.”
“No, but she might send you to take the hay bale on the back porch to Rabbi Thompson.”
Graham started from the unexpected voice. “Hello, Gran. I didn’t see you there.”
“Obviously not. Now don’t try to bamboozle me, young man. Go on. When you get back, we’ll discuss your opinion of our traditions.”
“Only if you tell me how you convinced a priest and rabbi to do a joint holiday service.”
“That’s a secret I will keep in reserve,” Gran said. “Now you both get out of my kitchen. Callie, your mother needs you by the tree.”
When the two left, Gran transferred the fish to the refrigerator and then ensured she was alone. She fished a bottle out of the back of the cabinet. “And now for my own holiday cheer. It’s the only way I’ll ever choke down that fish. I should’ve never drank while cooking all those years ago.”
Word Count: 231
Written: 8/14/2019
[Pen/Pencil Review] South Korean Goodies
The last couple of weeks have been bananas. Next week is even more bananas. My time has been limited and last night I was offered homemade ice cream and then a major distraction presented itself, and I followed it. It was a challenge that I had pick up and run with. So I didn’t even remember this until this morning that I forgot to blog. One of the things that was part of all of this was a short visit from our friends who currently live in South Korea. Every time they come to town it’s usually with the coolest pens.
This is the current batch. Some are probably findable at places like Daiso – like the retractable cat pens. The one where the tail is the plunger is one of my favorites, but I actually love them all. The duck head plunger, the cats where the slide plungers are the tails. They are gel pens and fine points. But I singled out a few to show off.
This is a soft rubber cactus pen. The pot is the cap. No, it doesn’t post. I’ll go into more details when I do the individual reviews. The other was the “Little Tiger” 3-color pen. This is a red, blue, black ballpoint with feet and ears. So cute…
The one that is too adorable is the Toy Soldier that looks straight out of the Nutcracker. This guy will likely be one of my non-red and non-green Holiday Pens. The giant hat is the cap and it does post – but it’s amusing to see a hat on feet…
I will get around to doing real reviews, but like I said, it’s been a bananas couple of weeks that will continue through next week.
[Write the Story] A Talented Musician Struggles to Make it Big
Prompt: A Talented Musician Struggles to Make it Big
Words: crocodile, anchor, lasagna, anthem, fingernail, trout, federal, bog, jostle, repel
Story
“It’s going to happen for you, babe.” Veronica gestured with a forkful of trout almondine. “You’re amazing.”
Evan picked at his lasagna. “I’m glad you think so, Ronnie, I just…I don’t know. No offense to Elton John, but if I get one more request for ‘Crocodile Rock’, I may break.”
“You won’t.” Veronica tapped an anchor-decorated fingernail on the back of his hand. “You will go back out there and finish your set. You’re going to be great. You never know who’s listening.”
Evan snorted. “Right. Because playing a corporate retreat venue in the middle of a freaking bog is going to be full of talent scouts.”
Veronica glared. “Come on, Evan, snap out of it. This is a Federal organization. These are high level folks. They know people who know people. Now get back out there and rock their world. This could lead to campaign trails which put you on celebrity radars.â€
Evan wiped his mouth. “Okay. This…okay—â€
“And don’t forget the National Anthem, sweetie.â€
He tried to smile as he picked up his guitar and wove his way to the stage, avoiding he jostle and bustle of cater waiters. Veronica was right, the audience didn’t necessarily matter, no matter how much they might repel him personally. A gig was a gig, right?
“Stepping stones,†he said to himself, and then he found himself moving out the other side. “Birthday parties, weddings, and bar mitzvahs have to be better than this.â€
“This is way to get the high-profile ones.†Veronica appeared at his elbow and pushed him on stage. “Be my star.â€
Word Count: 264
Written: 8/5/19
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pilot Precise V5 RT Lime Green
I know, I know… I just did a Pilot Precise V5 RT. This is another Pilot Precise V5 RT (retractable) in a lovely lime green that I picked up during the last Kinokuniya trip. The things about lime green pens is the tinting of the colors. At first I thought it was a different type of pen – Jimmy was the one that told me it was the same pen that I had already reviewed that month, but…same but different.
This pen is about 5.5″ long and has a decent retraction mechanism. It’s light but well-balanced. The ink is richly pigmented and flows well from the tip. The lines are smooth and the ink dries quickly on paper with minimal smearing. The green hue is dark enough to read but light enough to still be considered a pastel. It’s a good compromise for a lighter “fashion” color.
The barrel is lime green plastic with classic black and silver lines for the logo. The barrel itself is opaque with a metal clip. The grips are rubber with dimples in a translucent rubber grip. The tip is a transparent light green, you can see the spring and the ink through the grip. You can see the levels as they get low and the mechanism, which makes it look cool, not cheap. The clip is metal that wraps the top of the pen in an angled flow of seamless metal.
This is a good workhorse pen that has a price point, so if it’s stolen off a desk, it’s no big loss. It’s refillable so you can use them a good long time. They run $2.95/$3 at a store like Kinokuniya. I don’t see them much in more common stores.
The Numbers.
1. How does it work? – 1 – This is a solid working pen. The ink is well-pigmented. The point is relatively solid for a needle point.
2. Look and feel – 1 – It’s a basic retractable pen. There’s a nod to ergonomics. The clip is metal, so that’s solid.
3. Material – 1 – It’s recycled plastic with a metal clip. It is what it is. These are classic colors and designs.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s functional. It’s an average length retractable pen with a decent point and ink. It’s refillable and eco-friendly
5. Price Point – 0.5 – Though this pen is refillable, I don’t know that many ever do. If you get them on sale, they’re a good deal. Otherwise, I think they can range in price that makes you have to think.
4.5 out of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write The Story] A Famous Fictional Character in the Wrong Story
Prompt: A Famous Fictional Character in the Wrong Story
Words: stock market, serial, tangy, panda, ensemble, salute, average, Venus, boss, knee
Story
“Greed is good.” Gordon strolled through the market like the boss he was, suit crisp and tie straight.
“No, Greedo was bad–well, he was a bounty hunter, so maybe not bad, but at best morally ambiguous.”
Gordon stared at his blond assistant, Venus, for a moment. “What? Not Greedo, GREED. The manipulation of wealth through the stock market. Serial deal making– ”
“Apologies, sir,” Venus adjusted her designer ensemble. “I misheard. Are you sure you want us to dress like this?”
“Of course. How else do you portray wealth and power except through expensive clothes and accessories. Your outfit cost more than the average gnome’s income.”
“That’s not saying a whole lot, sir,” she said, “most gnomes I know work for mushrooms.”
Gordon Gekko snorted as he dodged an elf hocking tangy panda crickets at some food kiosk. “That’s what’s wrong with this place. All the gold, silver, and gems and people work for mushrooms. So much better for me. I’ll…we’ll clean up here.”
Venus followed her new employer through the market. She brushed a speck of lint from her knee in response to a surreptitious salute. Gordon wasn’t even noticing his change into his amphibious namesake. Their plan to change humans was off to an interesting start.
Word Count: 209
Written: 8/1/19
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel EnerGel RTX 0.3mm
This week’s pen review goes back to Pentel and another version of the Ener-Gel. This one is a 0.3mm retractable EnerGel. It was on “Back to School” special, and I’m a sucker for super fine points and sales.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this pen, I’ve mentioned my tendency for retractables on the work desk. This is one. This one is also part of the Recycology line – so, about 80% recycled materials go into making this pen. It’s a good size – 5.75″ retracted, and 6″ with the point out. The diameter is wide enough to be comfortable, but not overly wide and has some ergonomic cushioned on the barrel.
The barrel is the classic RTX barrel with smoky gray translucent panels with silver gray markings. The ink is basic black, which goes with the black/gray theme. The Ener-Gel ink is a does dry quickly, but it is a gel-based ink, so there’s a drying factor on slicker paper. The 0.3mm metal needle tip gives a decent line that’s not scratchy or skipping. The line is dark for so fine a line. It’s easily legible and easy to use. The barrel has the smoky panel with enough transparency to see ink level. It’s also refillable.
US box stores like Office Depot don’t normally carry this fine a line. You can sometimes find the Pilot G2 0.38mm but you have to look. That they’ve now added Pentel Ener-Gel 0.3mm? That gives me hope that these extra fine points are coming back in favor. Hopefully they’ll release at least blue and red as well and not just the black.
The 3-pack retails for $7.99 at Office Depot, but I happened to get these on sale last weekend for $5. Maybe they’ll go on sale again the closer to the school year we get.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 It’s decent. No frills. The ink is bold and the roller smooth for something so fine. There can be some smearing, but it’s liquid ink. It happens, especially on slick paper. It does dry quickly.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s an inexpensive, plastic, no frills pen. It has a grip that’s pretty comfortable. The length and balance are good.
3. Material – 1 It’s recycled plastic, but it has a good mechanism and good ink. If you’re ecology conscious or just want to help keep plastic out of landfills, this is a good thing.
4. Overall Design – 1 -It’s a basic retractable liquid gel ink pen. It’s refillable or disposable. It is what it is.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – I got this at the Office Depot checkout. It lists on the Office Deport site for $5 on sale . They run $7.99 ish for a 3 pack. Not the cheapest but not the worst.
4.5 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
