[Pen/Pencil Review] Zebra Spiral Ball Point 0.7mm
This is another pen from my last Office Depot spree, and I found this in the Clearance section – so I hope they’re not discontinuing them completely, just changing packaging or will be available in other retailers. This is the Zebra Spiral Ball Point pen in a Fine point 0.7mm black ink.
This is an interesting pen because it take ergonomics and frivolity and puts them into one pen. The need for ergonomic comfort comes at all ages, but only now are the pens designed to relieve writing fatigue getting some style to them. The Zebra Spiral takes the style to a whole new level. Where the Dr. Grip Full Black is sleek and classic, the Spiral is fun, flirty and colorful.
![IMG_2744[1]](http://www.rhondaeudaly.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_27441-e1407782003694-300x72.jpg)
I bought (shocker) the lime green version of the Spiral. The barrel has a soft rubber grip area with a comfortable amount of squish and rounded contours going to the point. The diameter is that nice middle ground where you don’t feel like you’re strangling your fingers, but no so wide as to feel like you’re using a kindergarten crayon. Where it gets interesting is in the resting part of the barrel. That is translucent color to match the grip with enough clear to see the white mechanism housing. This is where the pen gets its name. The barrel is twisted into a spiral pattern that gives a smooth groove where it rests in the thumb web – for both righties and lefties. It’s well balanced and feels sturdy for plastic.
This pen comes with a 0.7mm black ink insert that is smooth and dark (and fine line to make me so very happy). The pen is refillable with the Zebra F-Refill (which does come in a 0.7mm blue ink). The clip is plastic, but sturdy feeling – you’ll have to work hard to snap it. The grip is nice, but not QUITE as squishy as the Dr. Grip – but with a much nicer price point, in my opinion.
I really like this pen – so much so, I went and bought the blue one just to have a spare in case they are going away (which I really, really hope not). If you write a LOT and want a spiffy yet comfortable pen – please check this one out.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works well. The ink flows well with minimal smearing. The retraction mechanism is solid. It’s well balanced and solid feeling
2. Grip and feel – 1 – This is surprisingly comfortable. You’d think with the twist to the barrel something would dig in to fingers, but it doesn’t. It’s a good diameter with a really good feel.
3. Material – 0.5 – For a plastic barrel pen, it’s pretty well-made. The barrel is really solid yet smooth. The mechanisms work well. The ink is great. For a pen that is designed to reduce writing fatigue and promotes ergonomics, there might not be ENOUGH squish in the grip. It could be a bit softer – like the Dr. Grip…
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s an amazingly good design. It does what it says – it’s comfortable, it has good ink, and it is suitable for long-term writing. What makes it super cool is the attention to making it DIFFERENT. The spiral part not only makes it comfortable, it makes it CUTE.
5. Price Point – 1 – This one isn’t as expensive as the Dr. Grip. It sells on the Zebra website for $6.44 – which for an ergonomic pen that’s refillable isn’t bad at all. It’s fun, it’s useful, and is actually probably appropriately priced for the amount of material in it. It’s a SOLID pen. Not HEAVY, but it doesn’t feel cheap. This should last a while.
That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.
[Spotlight Post] Lunch with A Puppy
Today is supposed to be a spotlight post day, and if you hear a weird sputtering sound is me running out of steam. It’s been a busy week, and only getting busier – there’s so much Left. To. Do…. And I totally have changed part of my lunchtime routine.
Yesterday morning. Leo wonders what a watch tastes like.
Our company’s warehouse manager has started bringing his puppy, Leo, to hang out with the warehouse crew at work. Leo is about 3 months old and is a brown mutt, but an adorable mutt, with a black stripe down his back ending at the tip of his tail. He has a spot on his chest and ribs that make the back paw go – and the requisite needle-like puppy teeth.
Leo introduces himself (these were yesterday).
Sometimes it hard to see the “good” in the Day Job, and then something like Leo happens that makes it a bit better. And as long as Leo keeps coming to work, I’ll continue to spend part of my lunch time in the warehouse…because…puppy.
Though going home to the Canine Inquisition will be interesting. I keep getting looks from Loki and Diamond that say, “Again? Every time you go out you come back smelling like someone else! What’s the deal?” What can I say? I’m a critter person.
[Writer Post] SciFi4Me.Com Radio Interview
Last night I was on Internet Radio with SciFi4Me.Com – and it was a cool and weird experience. Let me tell you… I met Jason Hunt from SciFi4Me.com at one of the Dallas Comic Con shows a year or so ago. They were doing random floor interviews with people, and yes, I will talk to anyone… Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago… Jason contacts me through Facebook to ask if I’ll do their radio show for their August Book Month. Sure! Publicity, you know. We needs it, my precious.
When I agreed, August 5th seemed WAY far away… and lo, behold, it was here. And being internet radio, that meant dealing with technology (I swear I must be at least part Dresden-Universe Magical – tech doesn’t seem to like me). In this case, Skype. I have a Skype account, having any idea what the log in was? Yeah, not so much. But we got it figured out, set up, tested, and running all in good order. But they do a live stream of the show – as well as the audio. So, there was a camera pointed at the monitor of my Skype call… it was very surreal.
Jason was kind to me. We talked Redheads of the Apocalypse – with only one stumbly question. I think I handled it well. We talked about conventions and stuff, and before I knew it, we were done. It was one of the fastest half-hours ever. I hope I gave good props to YardDog Press – without Selina and Lynn, there would be nothing to interview about, and I hope I was coherent. That’s all anyone can really ask in an interview.
So, check out the interview – point and laugh if you must. But this is the job. This is how we get the word out. We do interviews – even when it means staying up past our bedtimes. We do conventions. We talk to people. If you’re an aspiring writer, know this going in. It doesn’t matter what level or how you publish – Big Five, Small Press, Self – getting the word out about your book/story/art is on you.
Please check out SciFi4Me.com – they’re good people. I opened their August Book Month. Not sure how high a bar I set for future guests, but hey. Someone’s gotta be first. Let’s keep this site going so more writers, artists, and creators can have a place to promote their work and talk about Sci Fi.
[Publicity] SciFi4Me.Com Radio
So this is tonight…On SciFi4Me
Morning, Formies! Ready for #BookMonth? Tomorrow — @reudaly is the first one in the hot seat! #SciFi4MeRadio
— SciFi4Me (@SciFi4Me) August 4, 2014
[Pen/Pencil Review] The Pilot Dr. Grip Full Black 1.0mm
So, thanks to the amazing way Office Depot took care of me during the print job fiasco, I ended up being able to go on a pen buying mini-spree last week before heading out of town (there was also a coupon about to expire). This is but one of them, the Pilot Dr. Grip Full Black.
![IMG_2739[1]](http://www.rhondaeudaly.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_27391-e1407160806713-300x122.jpg)
I’ve been intrigued by this one for a while, but hadn’t broken down and bought one. The Dr. Grip line runs on the expensive side, but in some ways totally worth it. What caught my attention were not only the looks of the pen, but to test out what the “Black Advanced Ink” was. The packaging says this ink “combines the best qualities of gel and ball point inks”. And I do have to admit it’s a smooth, dark ink. There’s minimal smearing on slick paper immediately after use. My only “gripe” is that this only seems to come in a “medium” point – 1.0 mm.
![IMG_2740[1]](http://www.rhondaeudaly.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_27401-e1407160852385-300x130.jpg)
The barrel is 5.5″ long retracted and 5.75″ with the point extended. The barrel is plastic but well-balanced. The curves to the ergonomic design fit the hand well with little to no ridges to dig in and cause discomfort. The selling-point to this pen – according to the packaging – is the cushion grip to reduce writing fatigue. And I think they’re on to something. The grip is wider than some of your basic pens, but not uncomfortably so. There’s enough squish to the grip that even heavy handed writers will take quite a while to cramp up. Which is probably why the Dr. Grip line has some endorsement by the Arthritis Foundation.
On the aesthetic side, the only quibble is that the “Full Black” isn’t. The clip is nice and sturdy, but bright metal – like chrome. My husband and I both would like to see this made with a black clip to fulfill the “full black” design. And while I’m wishing… make the refills in 0.7mm and finer… this pen is refillable with what looks like the Center of Gravity refills.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works well. The ink flows well with minimal smearing. The retraction mechanism is solid.
2. Grip and feel – 1 – This is a pen designed for ergonomics. The grip is cushioned and tapered to reduce wear on the hand. The barrel is long enough for comfort and balanced well.
3. Material – 0.5 – For a plastic barrel pen, it’s pretty well-made. It doesn’t feel cheap. The ink is dark, fluid and has minimal smearing. But it is a plastic pen, and for the price point, I kinda want better material.
4. Overall Design – 1 – It’s a good design. I’m not going to knock it for having a bright metal clip on an otherwise black pen. But it does what it says – it’s comfortable, it has good ink, and it is suitable for long-term writing
5. Price Point – 0.5 – This is the other knock. These aren’t cheap. They run $9 – $11 depending on where you get them. This one was $8.99 at Office Depot. The Pilot Website sells them for $10. They are refillable, but you’re still going to pay for the ergonomic portions , which isn’t HORRIBLE, but still an investment. And if we’re paying this much, why not give us a true FULL BLACK pen?
That’s 3.5 of 5 bronze pencils.
[Spotlight Post] Arianne “Tex” Thompson
It’s Spotlight Day. And though I met and hung out with a lot of people at ArmadilloCon this weekend, I think I’ll introduce you to just one of them today – because she had a “book birthday” this week – and it’s her first. Everyone say, “Howdy” to Arianne “Tex” Thompson. She was on a sub-genre panel with me.
Tex is on the far left, and I was scooting back to get comfortable – NOT storming of in a huff – pic by John Husisian
I interacted first (that I’m aware of, though I’m sure our paths have crossed before) on Facebook when Kathi Kimbriel got us talking through the message feature about the sub-genre panel. Little did it register to either of us that we’re practically neighbors…in the Texas sense. We live in the same metropolitan area and run in the same (yet apparently different) circles.
We had a fun conversation on Sunday before the panel – I’d spoken to her on Saturday night in the midst of the parties. Nothing registers during parties. Really. Trust me on this. So she apologized to me on Sunday, not realizing what was going on (did I mention Saturday night parties?) and thought it would’ve SURELY registered that she was on a panel with an Apocalyptic Redhead.
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We had this conversation at a book dealer table with a shiny new novel on it by Tex Thompson, One Night in Sixes. So I bought it and had her sign it. It’s a sub-genre crossover piece – SF/Western/Dark…she calls it FireflyMeets Stephen King’s Dark Tower. Now, because of benedryl and convention exhaustion I’m not very far in, but I can hear the same voicing/cadence as Firefly, so far so good.
What I didn’t know until the panel is that the copy I bought was on that “fell off the truck”. It didn’t “officially” come out until the Tuesday after ArmadilloCon. I was able to gloat a little since others I know hadn’t gotten theirs yet.
But Tex is fun. You should check out the book, and if you get a chance, meet her. She’s a hoot. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better.
[Writer Post] Armadillocon & The Last To Know
Last weekend I participated in ArmadilloCon, a literary convention I look forward to every year. This year was no different, and in many ways very important to me. First I want to thank everyone for asking about my dad, our whole family appreciates all the thoughts and prayers. I got the call on the way down to Austin that he was home and should have no lingering ill-effects. Getting that news let me relax and do my job at ArmadilloCon.
ArmadilloCon is (and always has been) a “literary” convention. That means it’s more geared to other writers – and those wanting to learn the business – and about the books and art. Its focus is a bit narrower than many fan-run conventions – there’s no costuming track, comics are a side note, gaming is a side niche. But that’s okay. That’s what they do. And it’s a “business” convention for me – networking, making connections, and the like. This year was no different. Though I did spend a whole chunk of Saturday introducing so very many people to the joys of Buc-ee’s Beaver Nuggets – which, hey, can be ordered from Amazon.
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I enjoyed the panels I was on – even though I felt a wee bit rushed before the first one. We got into Austin at 4 pm, the panel was at 5 pm, but I did my best. We talked about silly/bad movies we love. Found out some of my favorite guilty pleasure stupid movies are other peoples as well. That’s good to know. The sub-genre panel of Sunday was a hoot. Fannish Feud is always good fun, even if I don’t know what side of the aisle I’m going to be on – or if I’m going to be part of the hosting duties. But my favorite was the “Weird Fiction” panel.
The Weird Fiction pre-show – pic by John Husisian
What made that my favorite panel? For starters, only three of the five panelists showed up – me, Claude Lalumiere and Jacob Weismann. I was the moderator. As moderator, I made an executive decision to turn the panel into an interview process. Claude and Jacob are FAR AND AWAY more expert on the subject of Weird Fiction than I am – and since I wanted to hear what they had to say, I made sure that happened. And thanks to those two men and that panel, I had a minor epiphany during my 10 pm reading (thanks to the Tollivers, Dave Duggins, and two people whose names I don’t remember for coming).
I was scooting back to get comfortable – NOT storming of in a huff – pic by John Husisian
I write “Weird Fiction” (not just I write strange little stories, but the sub-genre ‘Weird’). Scott Cupp said, “You didn’t know that? YOU didn’t know that?” Um, no. I just wrote stories. Mostly humor with a dark twist – which falls into the nebulous category of “Weird”. Claude defined it (with Jacob agreeing) that “Weird Fiction” is something that starts out straightforward then has a twist – generally the macabre. Okay…the two stories I read – which are pretty indicative of me fall into that realm. And yes, the author is generally the last to know.
The Silly Movie Panel – pic by John Husisian
ArmadilloCon felt kind of light – that could’ve been the new hotel space and not knowing where people were, or it could’ve been a “rebuilding” year after they didn’t do a full convention because of WorldCon last year. But even then, the people there were awesome. It was good to see old friends and make some new ones – and pick up some new books to read. And though I came home totally exhausted, I’m also creatively energized and ready to take on my September deadlines (which means I have to start writing more than a handful of words a day). Challenge Accepted. And thank you, ArmadilloCon for the awesome time.
[Pen/Pencil Review] The Write Dudes Gorilla Lead 0.7mmm Mechanical Pencil
I didn’t pick up any fun pens at ArmadilloCon this, but I did get to spend time with Mark Finn and Rick Klaw – so in the honor of The Apes of Wrath (and a pretty lame reach for a connection) – I’m reviewing the Write Dudes Gorilla Lead Mechanical Pencils from Target.
There won’t be a writing sample – because well, mechanical pencil. 0.7mm #2 HB Lead all looks the same. It’s the rest of the piece that’s important. The fact they put “fine” on the package does make me roll my eyes. 0.7mm is NOT fine, and doesn’t apply to pencil points. But the selling point for this pencil is supposed to be the strength of the lead – “combining the strength and fury of gorillas”.
Okay so the hype is cute. The package comes with two pencils and extra lead for a relatively reasonable price. I bought the rubberized black ones. They also come in a silver/gray. The pencil runs about 5.75″ long. The black is rubberized for a good grip…and speaking of the grip. It’s…odd. Not bad, but definitely takes a bit of getting used to. The grip is an ergonomic triangular with ridges and smooth parts, but done in a way that almost makes it too narrow for me. And you have to use the grip. There’s no comfortable way to choke down like I normally do. Which isn’t completely bad?
The hardware is chrome plated and stepped down to the lead. The clip seems sturdy. The rounded plunger cap covers the refill tube and eraser. Now… about the lead… It is a good lead. I’m not sure it’s “Gorilla Strong” – it does break. But I put quite a bit of pressure to bear on the lead. and it took effort to get the lead to snap. It’s probably easier to do early and late in the lead life.
It’s a decent mechanical pencil for the price. These are not all that expensive at Target (and other retailers) – and with back to school sales, they’re probably even on sale. I’d be wary if you were have big hands or fingers – this is a narrow grip. It’s taking some time to get comfortable for me. But it’s inexpensive and amusing.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works like it’s supposed to. The lead advances and retracts. The grip is grippy. And the lead is sturdy.
2. Grip and feel – 0.5 – They make a concerted effort for ergonomics. But I find it a bit too narrow and high up on the barrel. You might not.
3. Material – 1 – It’s actually fairly solid. The rubberized grip is part of the whole barrel. The lead is sturdy. The chromed metal parts don’t seem in any danger of tarnish, cracking or flying off into the eitherh
4. Overall Design – 0.5 – It’s okay. The narrowness is a problem. There are ridges that can dig in. And I don’t think the lead is a strong as furious as they think it is, but should still last a good while.
5. Price Point – 1 – These are not expensive. A 2-3 pack of pencils (most with extra lead and – maybe – erasers) runs about $3.50 at Target. For a the quality of the pencil and the longevity it should have… this is a fantastic price – and might even be less expensive if you catch a sale.
That’s 4 of 5 bronze pencils.
[Spotlight Post] Flashpoint – Cross Post
I head out to ArmadilloCon in a few hours, so one more crosspost from Celtic Music Magazine. This one is a local DFW band called Flashpoint
Flashpoint intrigued me when I saw their EP, “A Timely Misadventure,” come up on the list for review. Not just because they’re local to me, and I do like giving local talent a shot, but because I’m addicted to television and I liked the show by the same name. But that’s neither here nor there, this is all about the music.
Flashpoint is a three-piece band consisting of Joseph Carmichael, David Mehalko, and Daniel Mehalko. These three young men play a wide variety of instruments in a predominantly instrument collection of songs on this new EP, “A Timely Misadventure.” This five-track project has one song with vocals, the other four are all instrumental with some interesting twists. All three members play multiple instruments – from whistles to accordions, fiddles to mandolin and banjo. Being young, they blend a variety of styles in to traditional folk and celtic music for a fresh fusion of sound.
I liken this project to a soundtrack album. It’s inspiring and entertaining, but it also doesn’t distract from whatever you might be doing. That’s not to say it’s boring, because it’s not…not at all. But for people who like either instrumental music or can’t focus on tasks with vocals, this is good stuff. I found myself typing faster – or more accurately – to the beat of the track playing at the time, and that’s always a good sign. So is the fact I find myself “chair dancing” to the melodies. I’m not sure which one of the three does the vocals on the third track, but he has a lovely voice.
This isn’t “rock and roll” celtic music. It’s traditional and mostly acoustic. My first foray into Celtic music was the Barra MacNeils in the 1990s. And though Flashpoint isn’t quite as complex – they’re half the size – but it reminds of them, and I’ve loved that album for a very long time. But it’s that a good thing, at least to me. The tracks are mostly two-song melodies woven together with skill and harmony. If I have to pick a favorite, it would be… difficult because I tend to let it flow like a soundtrack and find myself disappointed when it’s over.
These three men are highly skilled and really talented – and they’re just getting started. I look forward to seeing what they do in the future, because as good as this EP is, I think their best is ahead of them as they learn and gain life experience.
Artist: Flashpoint
Buy Album: Here
[Writing Post] Life, Swag, and Other Things
Today is supposed to be a writing post, but honestly – that’s not really going to happen. It’s been an… eventful…week, and it’s actually ramping up. I continued my word count progress – it may be small but it’s growing – around the North Texas Comic Book Show (managed to do a bit of editing there). I met a few people and sold a few books. It was good.
My dad was taken to the hospital on Monday evening. We still don’t know what’s wrong with him. He’s finally having some diagnostic work done (hopefully as I type) that will tell us what may be happening. But that’s a distraction no one could foresee. Forgive me if that takes a certain amount of precedence. And with it all, we had structural work done on the house this week, and my husband is fighting off something. And ArmadilloCon is coming.
So, I know it all comes off as excuses and such. But it is what it is. In all things, family comes first.
I did have a very heart-warming moment at NTCBS. There was an adorable little girl (who’s apparently a staple there) in a green tutu Riddler costume carrying a Batman Doll with a green tutu. I gave her a notebook and pen (also green…because Riddler, hello). And she zipped around getting quotes and stuff. It was the most adorable thing EVAR.
The next day I got emails from her mom and (apparently) aunt thanking me so much for that little act. And how much the child loved it. Almost made me cry. Will they be customers down the road? Maybe. Maybe not – the aunt did buy a coloring book to read to her new grandchild – but that kind of thing is better than a sale.
I bring it up – not because “aww, look at me”, but because I saw a post on Facebook a week or so ago about how swag was pointless. The only promotional thing an author needs to do is write the next book. And yes, that’s really, super important…but…swag (or promotional items) some opportunities can be lost. Especially at tables like the comic shows where someone might like YOU but is short of funds. A promotional item given freely is an impression on the potential customer. Something they can look at later – if they still have it, granted – and remember, “Hey, that person was cool, let me go ahead and check out that website now.”
It’s all important.