[Pen/Pencil Review] Bone Ballpoint Pen Set
Last week I introduced you to an artisan version of a BIC pen, something cool and unique. This is also something unique and cool – but really, really not artisan. This was a birthday gift from my friend, Meredith. It was a package of bone-shaped pens – 5 styles, 20 pieces. And also because I have skull pens and the like, she was still honoring my role as Zoe/Death in Redheads of the Apocalypse.
These are super fun, somewhat practical, and really weird. My knowledge of anatomy is severely lacking, so please don’t judge when I make generalized designations of what the bones could be. I really don’t know. I think I can get close – but there’s one that could be either arm OR leg. There is no scale (obviously) to anything – the finger one might actually be “life-size” if someone had a particularly large hand, the others are MUCH smaller than human sized.
These bone pens are smooth plastic in an ivory color. They run about 5.75″ long with metal tipped ink inserts. They have plastic cone “caps” that will easily get lost. There is no posting. They’re definitely novelties. There are no ergonomics and weird shapes and lumps – so they’re not exceptional uncomfortable, but they’re also not the most comfortable.
These novelty pens come in a fine point tip – Amazon says 0.7mm, I gave it a 0.8mm in my writing sample. The ink puts down a good line but there can be a little glopping. That means some smearing on glossy paper. It does dry quickly, though.
These are awesomely inexpensive on Amazon and probably wholesalers like Daiso’s main page or Alibaba or Oriental Trading company. I’m not going to out my friend on what she spent on my gift – or inadvertently point out that she overspent (because Amazon). They’re ridiculously amazing, and if bone pens are your thing…search Bone Pen on Amazon. You can get 5 pieces and up, and if you get the right deal, usually less than $1.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It’s a cheap, plastic set of novelty ballpoint pens. They work like they work, which is slightly better than expected.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – There’s nothing soft and squishy about bone pens – except not real bone…plastic. Since it’s molded plastic in bone designs, there are lumps, bumps, and weird angles. They’re not UNCOMFORTABLE, but not altogether comfortable either.
3. Material – 1 This is high-quality plastic. It’s sturdy but light with metal tips
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – It’s very “engineered†looking. They look like bones. They’re super cool and in a fine point ball point. It’s so very fun. But, like above, not super comfortable.
5. Price Point – 1 – They Are. SUPER. Cheap. I got these as a gift, so bear with me here. These seem to run about $0.50 to about $1 apiece depending on how many you get – bulk is cheaper. You can get them easily online in bulk.
I give it 4.0 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] A Lucky Break
Prompt: A Lucky Break
Words: City Hall, feminist, myth, interpreter, maverick, raccoon, radiant, scram, off-switch, logic
Story
“How did you get the interview?†Miranda tried to be happy, but she had a hitch in her voice. “I’ve been trying to get my foot in the door of City Hall for years.â€
Lauren shrugged as she rummaged through a tattered bag. “Maybe it was my stellar resume…†Miranda barely suppressed a snort. “Or maybe it was because I beat a rabid raccoon off the mayor.â€
“What?†Miranda’s mind went blank as if shut down by an off-switch. “You’re not going to become some kind of mutant super villain, are you?â€
“It wasn’t a radioactive raccoon, Miranda. That’s a comic book myth, but it would be cool. Hey!†Lauren whirled and jabbed a finger. “You went straight to villain! Why not hero?â€
“You’re a maverick. You’re a flaming, loud-mouthed feminist. At the first sign of trouble, you scream. That’s not hero material.â€
“By that logic, neither are you, Miss Miranda.†Lauren’s smirk carried a radiant quality. “We are very much alike.â€
“Of course, because we’re twins.â€
“Then a success for one should be a success for both.â€
Miranda couldn’t come up with words. “Okay, I might actually need an interpreter for that one.â€
“If I get the job, I can open doors for both of us.†Lauren put her hands on Miranda’s shoulders. “First City Hall, then the world. This is our lucky break.â€
“Totally the villain.â€
Word Count: 228
Written: 4/11/19
[Pen/Pencil Review] Baux Pen Company
This week’s pen review is going to be a little bit different. It’s a pen, but with no writing sample – for reasons that shall become clear. This particular pen was a birthday gift from Jimmy through a Kickstarter project so there’s going to be a few unusual bits. The pen comes from the same family as my Spoke Pencil from ages ago – which has now become part of Jimmy’s Pentel P205 collection — Baux Pen Company.
So, these pens are machined aluminum with anodized satin colors – mine is black. But the barrel is only half the length of the pen. The other half is the machined grip that comes in aluminum, titanium, and brass. We got the titanium grip, because titanium is cool. We had options for the end plug – that’s where the green comes in. The pen has a slightly tapered end toward the plug which allows the cap to post. The pen is 6†long with the cap it came with, and a smidge over 6.5″ capped. It’s pretty well balanced – good weight without being “heftyâ€.
Now, you may have noticed that I said, “cap it came with” and that there wouldn’t be a writing sample. This is not usual but Baux pens are a newish type thing. It’s kind of like one of my several Sherpa Sharpie covers, and yet it’s not. These pen bodies are designed to take the classic BIC ink insert – so the pen can be almost any point size and color. It came with a standard BIC Round Stic in black, so 1.0mm. The cap is the one that came with the original pen.
For a metal grip, it is comfortable. It’s a good length and weight. And, honestly? DARNED COOL LOOKING. Because what’s not cool about a BIC-style pen that you can nearly concuss someone with. They’re also customizable and engravable. I ended up with my married name because I thought I’d use it more at work (like this week).
But, they’re “artisan†pens. They are not cheap. I don’t remember how much Jimmy backed the Kickstarter for, but they’re on the Baux Pen Co. website for between $9.50 and $15.50 depending on which metals you choose for the grip – aluminum is less expensive than brass or titanium, and custom engraving is more expensive than the straight Baux logo.
The Conti brothers know how to make a relatively common writing instrument (BIC and Pentel P -205) new and exciting. Go them.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It’s a BIC pen in a metal case. The cap fits well on the post. It’s easy to refill – though the grip has the longest threading of any pen I’ve ever had.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – There’s nothing soft and squishy about the pen – it’s all metal. They have made an attempt at ergonomics with the ribbing, but it does flow well into the point, so it’s pretty awesome.
3. Material – 1 This is high-quality anodized aluminum. It’s sturdy but light. It does seem to be top notch materials.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s very “engineered†looking. It’s sharp, it’s well-designed. It’s pretty while being utilitarian. Someone put a lot of thought and work into this design to make it “new†when there’s not a lot you can do with a BIC pen. They get credit for that.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – They Are. Not. Cheap. I got this one for a gift, so bear with me here. Jimmy was an early supporter – so I have no idea what HE paid – which probably isn’t what’s on the site. The website sells these for $9.50 – $15.50 depending on what options. I’m only knocking a half point off because they’re artisan. This is not something you can get in a store. They’re functional art work. I want some more eventually. For writer stuff, you know, and different engravings and colors.
[Write the Story] The Loss of a Loved One
Prompt: The Loss of a Loved One
Words: bachelor, chandelier, ladybug, Muslim, strive, inverse, mannerism, balance, overreact, prime
Story
Lisa blinked in the glittering lights of the antique chandelier in Uncle Tapping’s foyer. She never quite understood her bachelor uncle’s decorating style except it was as over the top as his mannerism. A lump formed in her throat at the thought of him no longer alive.
“Excuse me, miss?â€
Lisa stifled a cry as she tried to regain her balance after being startled. But as she took a deep breath, the other person registered. “You must be Nadia.â€
The Muslim woman in a ladybug hijab nodded. “Apologies for startling you, miss.â€
“And I apologize for my overreact. Please call me Lisa. Uncle Tapping spoke highly of you. You were his student?â€
“Yes. We worked on inverse gravitational law and the prime dimensional shifts. I will strive to finish the work we started.â€
“I’m sure he would appreciate that…â€
“Oh, it’s not just in his memory. I think I found a way to bring him back. If I can figure out the last of the equations we can roll back the veil and open the dimensional gateways.â€
“You’re saying Uncle Tapping may not be dead?†Lisa couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“I never said he was dead. I said he was gone. Lost. We can bring him back.â€
“We?â€
“I’m going to bring him back, and I need your help.â€
Word Count: 221
Written: 4/9/19
[Pen/Pencil Review] Daiso 2 in 1 Pen and Stamp Set
I love Daiso. So much so that I just had to introduce my friend, Nora, to this amazing place when she came down. You see, Nora and I love a good bargain – resale shops, dollar stores (the good ones), and she had never heard of Daiso. This had to change. She LOVED it, and I love the stationary section and tend to overboard it there.
This is one of those times. This time I picked up the multi-pack of the 2 in 1 pen and stamp pens. This stemmed from the fact I forgot to take my weird $1 bin stamps that I bought last year for a writer thing to this year’s writer thing – WORD in the Field this time. They do a bingo card. I could’ve used these there.
These pens are half 0.7mm fiber tipped pens/markers (THAT much I can read on the package and got wrong in the writing samples) in primary colors – red, green, blue, and orange – and half 5mm self-inking stamps – heart, musical note, star, and flower – in contrasting shades/colors. (Wow that’s a huge sentence.) These pens are pretty long, 6.5″ both capped and posted. The pen tapers to a textured grip and guard to the fiber tip. The tip seems pretty sturdy.
The ink takes a second or two to dry. The writing tip dries more quickly (which seems obvious) than the stamp ink. The symbol of the stamps are designs on the cap. The stamp cap doesn’t post, but the pen end does. The colors are bright and a somewhat vibrant – though it’s water-based ink, so don’t get it wet.
They’re just…adorable. And they’re Daiso, so $1.50 for the package? Nothing beats that.
Now to the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 This pen works well. The ink flows well and is pretty dark and rich. The stamps work the way one would expect.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It’s plastic. Well done plastic but completely plastic. There are some ridges for the cap lock that can dig in.
3. Material – 1 It’s all plastic but for the most part the detailing and design are pretty nifty. I half expect something on it to dry out pretty quickly – likely the stamp ends first.
4. Overall Design – 1 – Okay, I like it since it managed to surprise me. The ink and design are well done. I see this as a solid, fun pen and stamp.
5. Price Point – 1 – You can’t beat this. 4 pens plus stamps for $1.50 at Daiso. Even if they all dry out in less than a week? TOTALLY worth it. I hope I can keep them around or find them again the next time I need something for like Writer Bingo.
[Write the Story] The Main Character Witnesses a Crime
Prompt: The Main Character Witnesses a Crime
Words: Christmas, almond, paisley, lion, pipe, scream, fade, French horn, inflate, maple
Story
“Hello, 911? I think a crime’s been committed. Please send the police. I think it’s a robbery?”
“So, what do you think was stolen?” the police officer asked an hour or so later.
“It’s not that anything was…stolen…it was left behind?”
“Excuse me?”
The officer was understandably confused but trying to explain it made me want to scream. “Come with me. Let me show you.”
I took Officer Skeptical into the parlor. There, scattered everywhere were…things. A stuffed lion with a jaunty paisley bow. A gleaming French horn. And more.”
“Oh, one thing is gone,” I said. “An entire plate of almond cookies.”
“Did you see who did this?”
Finally! He was taking me seriously. “I only caught a glimpse, and it was weird. It was an older guy, and he didn’t so much break in as like inflate from nothing. He had white hair and a beard with a pipe that smelled like maple syrup. Then when he was done he seemed to fade out.”
The cop closed his notebook and gave me a sad, pitying look. “This wasn’t a crime, ma’am.”
“Then what was it?”
“Christmas, ma’am,” he said. “It was Christmas. You saw Santa. These are gifts. Have a nice night, ma’am.”
As the cop left, I swore I heard bells and a ho, ho, ho.
Word Count: 219
Written: 4/4/19
[Pen/Pencil Review] Conference Edition
So, yeah, I missed yesterday because I have been at a work conference.
It’s been a great conference. Lots to think about and be better at in terms of online Whole Community communication. One speaker proposed a concept that I think for her was either an analogy or a metaphor but really needs to be a thing – Universal Design for Communication. Mind blown.
Everything will be back to normal (I think) tomorrow afternoon when I get back to Texas. Tennessee has been great but I am ready to come home.
[Write the Story] Conspiracy Theorists Convention
Prompt: Conspiracy Theorists Convention
Words: crop circles, vacation, possum, filibuster, mutiny, scour, compass, drift, drawback, electric
Story
“I can’t believe this is what you call a vacation.†Amanda yawned and stretched. “Though I did get a good nap during that filibuster.â€
“You mean the keynote speaker? How can you say that? Dr. Cunningham’s research on crop circles is electric.†Noah picked up the pace, following a compass out of the hotel and into thick foliage. Amanda had to scurry to keep up.
“No to cause some kind of mutiny here, but where are we going?†she asked.
“Possum Caverns. All the research says there’s proof of other civilizations there. PROOF!â€
“Then why hasn’t it been blown all over the media?â€
Noah deflated a little. “That is one of the drawbacks. I’ve had to scour a lot of data streams to find this information. It’s like it’s being suppressed. There are others who believe it, too. That’s why we’re going now. I want to take something b ack for my panel after lunch break.â€
“Okay.â€
Amanda drifted behind Noah as he plowed through the trees to the caves, knowing he’d never make it back to the hotel. She’d have a harrowing tale for the mysterious disappearances panel after all.
Word Count: 191
Written: 3/19-20/19
[Pen/Pencil Review] Green Donut Novelty Pen – Black Ink
Sometimes I just love going to Dollar Tree. You can find some really fun things – and some things are worth just what you pay for them – this is a fun thing. And Dollar Tree is KINDA like Daiso, but not quite as cool.
Not only is this just a silly fun pen, it is also a fine point gel pen – not more than 0.5mm, MAYBE a bit finer like a 0.4mm, but the package doesn’t say. It is a needle point with a faceted, clear plastic guard. It’s about 6.5†long, which makes it long enough to be comfortable. It’s fairly comfortable, but top heavy with the cute, sprinkle-endowed donut cap. It’s a completely smooth barrel with an edge before the faceted grip – so there are edges that can bite into fingers. It’s not a long-term writing pen.
The ink is dark and smooth – it does take a bit to dry, especially on the slicker paper. But for the price point the ink is good and the needle point seems pretty sturdy. The cap is clear plastic, but doesn’t post. It’s going to be relatively easy to lose if I’m not careful. It’s a super fun little piece for a totally worthwhile price – $1.
To the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 It’s decent for what it is – a fine, needlepoint gel pen with decent ink on rougher paper – it smears on slicker paper but dries pretty quickly
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It’s an inexpensive, plastic pen. The barrel is smooth. But it’s a bit top heavy with the donut.
3. Material – 1 It’s a novelty pen. It’s plastic with an adorable decoration.
4. Overall Design – 1 -It’s a perfectly functional, totally fun donut pen
5. Price Point – 1 – It was $1. Doesn’t get much better than that.
[Write the Story] A Suspected Affair
Prompt: A Suspected Affair
Words: marriage, checklist, songbird, mango, ranch, stroke, magpie, scowl, simper, commotion
Story
“Let’s go down the checklist.” Marie pulled out her notebook. “Have you noticed any changes in his behavior?”
“Like suddenly drinking mango tea?” Ellen worried the paper napkin into shreds.
“Is that odd for him?”
“Plain tea was all Chester ever wanted from me in all the years of our marriage. He always said he never anything shiny or frou-frou. He wasn’t a magpie.”
“And now?” Marie dipped a snow pea into ranch dressing to give Ellen time to answer. Marie had done dozens of these interviews. Which often led to clients. This was one of them by the scowl on Ellen’s face as she finished her story of woe.
Marie found the alleged temptress who’d caught Chester’s eye easily enough. The old “not a magpie” had found himself a colorful songbird. She followed, photographed, looked through trash until she had enough.
“Are you sure you want to be in on the confrontation?” Marie asked. “These things often cause quite the commotion.”
“I want to look her in the eye and watch her try to simper her way out of wrecking my home.”
Marie sighed and followed. Ellen was in for a shock. Chester had been hiding something, but it wasn’t an affair. He’d had a stroke and the woman was his rehab nurse.
Word Count: 214
Written: 3/12/19