[Pen/Pencil Review] The Write Crap Pen – Black Ink
This weekend we did a Daiso run on the way to an annual holiday party. This is always an interesting thing to do. I found something I had to have…a pen that gives you explicit permission to write crap. It’s literally a poo emoji bobblehead pen. I had to have it. Because the one piece of advice – one of the few Writing Rules that isn’t complete crap – is to give yourself permission to write crap. Some famous writer like Bradbury or Hemmingway said all writers have a MILLION bad words in them. So let’s get to it with this amazingly awful novelty pen.
This is about the pen and not its use (necessarily). The pen is about 6.75″ long and a good 2.5″ of it is the top, emoji bobble head. If you listen REALLY HARD you can ALMOST (not really) hear Sir Patrick Stewart’s voice (I hope). The pen is a heavy resin painted (obviously) brown. The barrel is a solid piece ending at the metal where the ink is inserted. The resin barrel has a solid end so there’s a ridge that could dig in if you use it long-term.
The ink is inexpensive ballpoint – this insert is a little skippy. But it’s a 0.7mm point – because the Japanese are awesome about fine points. The ink is black and works well enough. It might smooth out more as I use it. It comes with a plastic slip of a cover for a cap – but I’ll lose that within a day of use. I always do.
These run $3 at Daiso. If you’re feeling adventurous – you can get a dozen assorted bobble emoji pens for about $27.50 at their online store. I’m tempted, but there are three pens in the bundle – and I don’t know what I would do with the others.
So get yourself to a Daiso or look the up online and get yourself a pen that encourages you to write crap, because sometimes you really need that permission and encouragement.
To the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 0.5 The ink has some skipping to it. The pen is heavy. But it’s functional and fun
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It’s not only a heavy material, it’s top heavy with the bobble. That way it’s tiring in the long-term use and the “cap” is easy lost.
3. Material – 1 – It’s solid resin. It’s heavy and well-made.
4. Overall Design – 1 – This is so much fun. It’s a good fun piece.
5. Price Point – 1 – These run $3 at Daiso – unless you buy them in bulk. Then it’s $27.50 for a dozen. It’s too much fun.
4.0 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] Reliving Childhood Memories as an Adult
Prompt: Reliving Childhood Memories as an Adult
Words: target practice, bookmark, wizard, determination, unbridled, schedule, forward, pork loin, innermost, supposition
Story
Regression is a tricky thing, but so is regret. I guess that’s why I went forward with the procedure with determination if not unbridled enthusiasm.
“We’re ready for you, now.”
I followed the nurse into the innermost parts of the clinic, slipping the bookmark into my novel as we progressed. I let them prep and poke and put me to sleep all according to their schedule.
I awoke to the smell of Mom’s barbecue pork loin. My mouth watered. I got up and followed the scent into my kitchen – but my kitchen now. Not Mom’s, but there she was shredding pork. She couldn’t be there, though.
“You’ll want to go outside, dear. Dinner will be ready soon but not yet. ”
I did what I was told. I always did what Mom told me. My heart wrenched. She hadn’t told me what to do in a decade now. I pushed through the door to my backyard. My brothers were there for target practice on the archery range I had set up. The peaceful thunk of bolts in targets calmed me. I shot a few before I realized none of this was happening now. It had happened before. And just before I had everything ripped away. One last happy memory.
The wizard who designed regression was good. He knew the buttons to push to keep people coming back. But that was the plan to part fools from their money, right? Then what was I? someone who needed help, a fool, or both? Therein lie the supposition.
Word Count: 255
Written: 11/17/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pilot G2 – 0.38mm – Green Ink
This week’s pen blog launches the holiday season. December often means red and green pens. This begins the tradition again. I dug out a nice selection of the festive colors this evening and went through some to see which I’d done before. I was surprised to find out I’d never reviewed the Pilot G2 0.38mm in any color – including green.
This is a classic G2 with a clear casing with the retractable mechanism, clip, and the grip matching the color of the ink. It runs just short of 5.75″. The rubber grip is pretty comfortable for an inexpensive, every day pen. One of the things I like about it is the clear barrel that allows you to see how much ink you have left. This is a classic pen in a classic color. The green is dark – even in a 0.38mm point.
The ink is as awesome as always, the roller is smooth for a 0.38mm. These pens have good ink reservoirs with rich tints to the ink. The conical tips are smooth and lay down a solid line. The feel is good. The ink dries quickly.
These are available at some box stores – I usually find them in black, but they also come in the “primary” colors of pens – red, blue, black, green. I do love the green in this point size. I’ve had this one quite a while and it still writes well with little priming – even after lying in a box for who knows how long. They’re relatively inexpensive, about $7 for a 4 pack, which is less than $2 a piece.
To the numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 The ink is strong and comes in decent point sizes – including the “ultra fine” 0.38mm. The retraction mechanism is solid.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s fairly basic retractable pen with a decent drip that hasn’t changed much over time, but it still gives a comfortable feel for long-term use.
3. Material – 1 – It’s rubberized and translucent plastic pen. It’s solid for what it is.
4. Overall Design – 1 – These are a standard. They’ve not changed much over time, which is good. It’s never been broken, so there’s nothing really to fix. The pen is colorful, comfortable, and solid.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – These run just under $2 a pop which is about on par. They are refillable, but you probably have to go to someplace like JetPens or some other retailer to find them in the 0.38mm
4.5 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] Based on a True Story
I am almost caught up. I really do have to write more. Much more. I have been very slow with my writing lately and that kind of sucks. I had great intentions for this weekend – holidays and such did divert. But I promise though I seem to live in this world…
I’m doing my best to tranquilize those squirrels…or find some ducks as they migrate.
Prompt: Based on a True Story
Words: Mongols, exception, gosling, elementary, coordinate, solution, tighten, shuffle, horseshoe, universe
Story
“The Mongols used homing goslings to coordinate tactics and communications as they tightened their control of the Horseshoe Universe.”
“That line is not going to work on elementary students.” Cassidy rolled her eyes. “Goslings? Baby geese? How does that work in space?”
“I’ll have you know Goslings are easily adaptable, agile beacons named after a 21st Century actor – for some reason.”
“Oh, come on. Really?” Cassidy rolled her eyes again. “They’re kids but don’t think they won’t see right through you. That story isn’t your solution, Julie.”
“It’s not a story if it’s true. Besides, this is an exception, I can’t shuffle the lesson plans now.”
“But, Julie, really? Mongols in the Horseshoe Universe?”
“It’s true! I swear, Cassidy. There was a movie based on real events.”
Cassidy snorted. “Did you find the source material? Corroborate it with other sources?”
“Um…”
“You can’t use that as a lesson. Unless you’re teaching a unit on fiction writing.” Cassidy paced. “You’ll get caught and fired.”
“You assume I am teaching history. Maybe I am teaching a fiction class.”
“Are you?”
“Based on a true story, baby. True story.”
Word Count: 186
Written: 11/1/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel Kirari Brown Ink – Thanksgiving Rerun
Pulling a review from last year to run today because it’s Thanksgiving Week here – and the Nephew’s birthday (he turns 16 tomorrow – NOOOOOOO). So there’s been some moving pieces today, but I’m determined to get back to ducks in a row (instead of squirrels at a rave). Even though it’s a re-run, it is a blog today in a color scheme for holiday.
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This week’s pen review takes a look at the Pentel Kirari Get. This one is a 0.7mm retractable with Ener-Gel ink refills. This line came from Tokyo Pen Shop and come in pink, purple, and gold. The gold is a bit beige-y for me, but for what I’m doing it’s the right color for me.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this pen, I’ve mentioned my tendency for retractables on the work desk. This is one of them. This one is both pretty and practical. 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. The grip is shimmery rubberized with some wave patterning that makes it easy to hold onto for longer periods of time.
The barrel is beige/gold plastic base with metal accents and clip. The clip identifies the pen NOT as Kirari, but as KL307. The ink is basic black. 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 0.7mm metal tip gives a decent line – it’s not as fine as I typically love, but it’s not broad and gloppy. It’s easily legible and quick drying. It’s also refillable. BUT… what I’ve done is replace the standard black with a Ener-Gel 307 BROWN refill. Which is basically the same ink but keeps the whole pen in a earth tone feel – and I have a Hobbit journal that SCREAMS for brown ink, so I’ve been doing a lot of that lately.
This pen runs #5 on Tokyo Pen Shop. I haven’t found it anywhere else. It’s more expensive than some others, but with the refill and comfort level, it’s not a bad price. It’s one I grab often, especially if the journal is close by. If you want something different than your basic Energ-Gel or want something a bit more professional looking but not overly expensive – this one’s good. Tell the Tokyo Pen Shop Folk I sent you. Someday, we’re going to Iowa to visit them. If you’re IN or near Iowa, go on my behalf!
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 0.5 It’s decent. No real frills but different colors and grip pattern. The ink is bold and the roller smooth. There can be some smearing, but it’s liquid ink. It happens, especially on slick paper. It does dry quickly, but needs drying time.
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 – It’s a bit more expensive at $5, but it’s not overpriced considering you can’t get it easily in this country without hitting up Tokyo Pen Company – but as evidenced here, I refilled it already. The brown refill was $1.25. You can’t go wrong.
4.0 out of 5 Bronze Pencils
[Write the Story] Something Believed to be Myth is Very Real
Prompt: Something Believed to be Myth is Very Real
Words: necromancer, elm, roadmap, GPS, outside, twine, water lily, plastic, chopper, powerless
Story
“Why are we doing this, again?” Amanda stared at the GPS.
“Because we’re going to prove the necromancer is real.” Spencer studied the paper roadmap in the car’s headlights outside the Elm Fork National Forest. “You agreed to this, you know.”
“That’s when I thought this was just a Halloween camping trip with ghost stories.” Amanda tied twine to the side mirror of the car. “But if you’re sure?”
“Why string?” Spencer hefted his backpack and headed toward the trees.
“Because bread crumbs turn out so well.” Amanda drank from her plastic water bottle with the water lily on it. “I’m not going to get lost in the middle of the stinkin’ woods.”
They tramped through the forest, following all the urban legend clues and stories., deeper into the shadows. After what seemed like hours, they stumbled into a clearing with a rundown cabin.
“Really?” Amanda snorted quietly. “Cliché much?”
“It’s always worked for me.”
Amanda’s shocked cry cut off abruptly as Spencer slashed out with a knife. She leapt back, holding a hand to her neck, trying to staunch blood.
“Yes. Chopper should find you suitable.”
Amanda gurgled, powerless in the face of Spencer’s magic and blood loss. “You…?”
“How else does the myth stay alive?”
Word Count: 207
Written: 10/31/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] Daiso Stationery 0.28mm Brown Gel Pen
It’s Thanksgiving. Well, in a week – but it’s Thanksgiving SEASON (not Christmas YET). Thanksgiving is the season of brown and orange. I made my first-ever homemade pumpkin pie tonight. And it seemed appropriate to review the Daiso Stationery BROWN ink stick pen.
This is an inexpensive stick gel pen line that comes in a variety of colors with very fine points – this one is a 0.28mm point with a brown gel ink. The pen is about 5.5 inches long capped and 6.25 inches with the cap posted. The barrel is black with vents in the side to judge ink levels. There are brown plugs in the base of the barrel and the top of the cap and clip. The cap posts securely.
The ink is a chocolate brown with a long, needle point in a 0.28mm point. The line doesn’t stutter much but it feels a bit scratchy like many of these really fine points are. The reservoir is fairly long so it should last quite a while.
It can be refilled, but I’m not sure with what. This was a Daiso find, so not at all expensive. Something like $1.50 or $1.75 – Daiso’s website has them available in 12-packs for $20.16. For something fun, super fine point, and comes in a variety of colors? You can’t go wrong with the Stationery line from Daiso.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works surprisingly well for a super fine point. The ink flow smoothly even if it sounds scratchy. The clip is secure.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – It’s an inexpensive plastic pen with a metal tip. The grip has some ridging that could dig in and some ribbing along the grip.
3. Material – 1 – It is plastic…it has inserts to check ink levels, and sturdy feel, it’s decent for what it is
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s a good, solid pen with a fairly solid needle tip.
5. Price Point – 1 – It’s between $1.50 and $1.75 at a Daiso store – which is easier to get to this store than others.
That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] A Sales Manager Has Enough
Prompt: A Sales Manager Has Enough
Words: Australia, faith, gullet, customer, butterfly, headlight, badger, shoreline, mountain, owl
Story
“We’re going to be pushing the new line of outdoor themed everything to every customer.â€
“What’s that even mean?â€
Gloria stared at the twenty-something in the company floor staff in the giant nametag reading Faith. “Really? You’ve been a customer service rep here for over a year. Be smarter.â€
Faith’s eyes grew round and her chin quivered. The other staff all whispered and grumbled, horrified. Something snapped in Gloria.
“Look, y’all, we’re here to sell mountain-scented candles, owl bowls, and badger blankets. If you don’t get that then find someplace else to be stupid. Do a butterfly migration to Australia Trading Company or some other hippie consumer store. I don’t care anymore. In fact, I don’t care. I quit. I’m done figuring out if that’s a light at the end of the retail tunnel or a train headlight. I’m done. Do this without me.â€
Gloria stormed out, leaving open-mouthed astonishment. She may have flipped off the security cameras on the way out. Hours later she stood on the shoreline, breathing salt-tinted air.
“Got anything else stuck in your gullet?â€
She didn’t even look at the voice. “Craw. The phrase is ‘stuck in your craw’. And no. That was fun.â€
“Good. Time to do your magic on another chain.â€
“How many more, Jeff?â€
“Until all the retail world is ours.â€
Word Count: 219
Written: 10/17/18
[Pen/Pencil Review] Uni Jetstream Black Ballpoint 0.38mm
I am trying to keep my recent return to productivity and normalcy going. There have been several gains in pen acquisition that I have not been able to get to. The spreadsheet I started hasn’t been kept up. This week’s pen is one of the UNI Jetstream 0.38 ballpoints. This one is stand alone black.
I have reviewed the Uni Jetstream 4 & 1 Color 0.38mm Ballpoint Multi-Pen plus 0.5mm Pencil, which is still one of my go to pens for conferences and everyday carry – for the options. This one is a single-color workhorse pen available at outlets like Kinokuniya, Daiso, and Jetpens.
The Jetstream is a workhorse pen. It has a smoky, translucent black body (with notes of blue) so you can sort of see the link levels. The grip is textured rubber with a slightly wide tip for a comfortable feel in the hand – especially the fingertips. The plunger is clear plastic with a color-corresponding plug. The clip is molded gray plastic, but feels solid. The pen is about 5.5″ long.
What astonishes me about this is the vibrancy of the ink colors with such a fine point. I keep forgetting this is a BALLPOINT pen and pencil and not a gel ink. The roller in the super fine conical point (not needle – CONICAL) is smooth. They don’t scratch much, skip or glop.
This pen runs $2.85 on Jetpens.com – and about that at the stores mentioned. It’s a solid workhorse for a pen. It’s also refillable with the Uni SXR-38 line of refills – this line comes in other colors and point sizes if you’re not into the super fine points like I am.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works surprisingly well for a super fine point. The ink flow smoothly. The clip is secure.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – It’s actually comfortable. The diameter is wider than typical which gives it some room without being too big. There’s no ridge between grip and barrel to be uncomfortable. It’s long enough to fit comfortably in the hand.
3. Material – 1 – It is plastic…however with the nice inserts, and sturdy feel, it’s decent. The transparent plastic of the barrel lets you see ink levels.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s a good, solid pen with decent ergonomics.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s not as cheap as other pens, but it’s not unreasonable. $2.85 for the base pen and $1.95 for refills. Easiest to order them online unless you are close to a Daiso or Kunikunya store.
That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.
[Write the Story] Getting Away with Murder
Prompt: Getting Away with Murder
Words: Snow Queen, windmill, tunnel, childhood, endanger, cypress, wine, horseback, temperature, imperial
Story
“There’s so many things I wanted to do in my childhood dreams. Knowing red wine should be served at room temperature isn’t one of them.” Melinda said with an imperial tone in her voice.
Sarah Hannigan had heard it all before. Suspects took her through justification tunnel, trying to explain to her why they didn’t do what she knows they did. She watched the Snow Queen across from her. This woman was definitely tilting at windmills on galloping horseback trying to deflect blame, causation, anything else she could think of. Sarah let her. Two could play the cold shoulder game, no way she was going to endanger her case.
“Cut Ms. Lancaster loose.”
Sarah blinked as the detective sergeant burst into the interrogation room. “Wait. What?”
“You heard me, Hannigan. Her lawyer’s got a judge to seal the whole case. Nothing from Cypress Park is admissible. She’s free to go.”
“But…”
“Ms. Lancaster is free to go.”
Sarah watched Melinda Hannigan gather herself and sweep out of the room with a Cheshire Cat grin.
When everyone was out of the room, only then did Sarah show any kind of emotion. She nearly dented to metal interrogation table with the force of the blow.
She wouldn’t accept the loss. She never lost. Even if it meant taking justice into her own hands. He’d done it before. She could do it again with no one the wiser.
Word Count: 235
Written: 10/6/18