[Write the Story] The Phone Rings at 3 A.M.
Prompt: The Phone Rings at 3 A.M.
Words: guerilla, emerald, careless, traffic, liberate, adolescence, punch, wave, environment, oval
Story
Robert Earl Keen has a song where the chorus line is The road goes on forever and the party never ends. That’s how I feel every day. Except it’s not a party. It’s my job.
Ring. I answer as I always do. “Emerald ocean sunset†is today’s code response. I don’t know who comes up with this stuff. “Go ahead, Agent Chase.â€
“The guerillas are about to liberate the capital. They’re moving through town like a wave of drunken kids in adolescence.â€
“You couldn’t have just said teenagers?†I said. “It’s 3 a.m. here. How bad is it?â€
“It’s a punch-drunk environment.†Chase sounded a bit sloshed himself.
“Don’t’ get careless, Chase.†I was already out of bed and pulling up computers to get intel and satellite imagery.
“Crap. They’re almost to the traffic oval.†I could hear crowd and weapons noise behind him. The visuals I could pull up were…bleak. “I need an exit strategy now.â€
My fingers flew over keys, but as I pushed the buttons and sent the codes, Chase’s messages grew more frantic and more garbled and then abruptly stopped. I stopped typing and listened to the chaos for a moment as I shut down my system.
I always told these guys, if you call me at 3 a.m., someone better be dead.
Word Count: 217
Written: 8/30/19
[Pen/Pencil Review] Pentel PH 803 Super Multi 8
Today’s pen blog is a multi-function pen that Jimmy found for me somewhere in his quest for all thing Pentel P205. This is the Pentel PH 803 Super Multi 8 multi writing function instrument. That’s the only thing that I can call it. This is slightly different from other multi-functions. This one is a 2 mm lead holder and pen set in one barrel
This multi-function pen surprised me a little. I’m used to multi-function/color pens being bulky and sometimes hard to handle. This one isn’t. For what it is, it’s quite sleek. It’s 5.5″ long with everything retracted. I would normally say what it is with the points out, but being a lead holder, that’s variable. The barrel diameter is obviously wider than a “typical” standard single use pen or pencil, but not more so than some of the ergonomic grip pens. It’s not uncomfortably wide at the top. The point tapers to a comfortable diameter with ridges that help grip.
The barrel is gray with a black cap and clip that “dials†the ink or lead that you want. There is no eraser. The cap is the “clicker†that extends the leads or the inks. You have to tip the point down to extend the lead or ink and tip up to retract. The barrel has transparent bands just under the clip to see the innards. The next gray band has indicators for what you’re extending. The grip is clear.
The 0.7mm ball point pens are a rich red, blue, and black inks that flow well. The HB lead is soft and dark. What’s unique to this is the fact it has red lead for editing; non-copy blue for good, old-fashioned blue line lead; and pink and yellow fluorescent highlighter leads. This makes the 8 functions of the instrument.
This barrel is refillable. In fact this came in a case with extra leads and ink and a “pointer†which is lead holder for “sharpener†with the tiniest hole to only sharpen the lead points. That’s cool, but I have to remember where I put the pointer.
I enjoy this more than I thought I would. Mostly because it’s almost everything you could want in one thing. These are not available (easily) in the US. You can get them from Amazon from Japan for $20+ — which means not cheap but for what it is and what it can do – and the fact it COMES WITH REFILLS—it’s a good deal.
The numbers:
1. How does it work? – 1 – It works well. The rotary function of the points feels secure. There’s a bit of a learning curve – you do have to completely retract the point being used before you can change to another
2. Grip and feel – 1 – For a multi-function, it’s actually comfortable. There’s a decent taper, and the diameter is comfortable. It’s long enough to fit comfortably in the hand. I’m actually surprised by this.
3. Material – 1 – It’s plastic and base metal…however with the nice inserts, and sturdy feel, it’s decent. The transparent plastic of the barrel lets you see ink levels. Some might think it’s expensive for plastic and base metal, but it’s environmentally conscious and three good quality writing instruments in one.
4. Overall Design – 1 – Though there’s a learning curve to figure it out, once you do – and that’s simply getting used to this being a lead holder rather than a mechanical pencil – it’s nice. I find I pick it up more than I thought I would.
5. Price Point – 0.5 – It’s not cheap, but it is useful. It’s expensive but comes with refills that helps make it more economical. It can be had on Amazon, but it will come from Japan. I do find myself going to it when I might need pen/pencil back and forth options.
That’s 4.5 of 5 bronze pencils.
[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.