"There are countless horrible things happening all over the world and horrible people prospering, but we must never allow them to disturb our equanimity or deflect us from our sacred duty to sabotage and annoy them whenever possible." -Auberon Waugh
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
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Does anybody actually buy pens anymore? I think we've acquired a lifetime supply, free, from realtors' offices, banks, merchants' fairs, too many places to name.
Just so happens I have the last pen I bought (years ago) in a drawer next to my computer desk. It's a Zebra G-301 gel. I don't really remember why I bought it, but IIRC it had something to do with the 'gel' part. And, yeah, I've got tons of pens from my insurance agent, and bank, so this one I bought doesn't get used, and now won't even write anymore.
I don't know if the rest of the federal government was as overrun with Skilcraft pens as was the military, but... I would empty my pockets after work and drop the cheap retractable pen on my dresser. And generally would forget to pick it up again the next morning, not that there'd be any shortage of them when I showed up again.
But about once or twice a year I'd look at the pile of them on my dresser and take them all in to work, just to get rid of them. And then restart the process of slowly accumulating them at home.
I used to really like Waterman pens. They write smoothly, like Mont Blancs, but they aren't as gaudy. Of course, now they're made in China so they probably suck. I still have my Cross fountain pen, but I haven't filled it in probably 35 years.
Retractable, refillable, ballpoint pen is imprinted with "U.S. Government" and is the workhorse of the U.S. government and military. Designed to write anywhere including land or water regardless of climate and altitude. Writes one mile. made by the blind at Abilityone, I always liked that, they make all kinds of stuff and I think they get some preference in government contracts.
Just so happens I have the last pen I bought (years ago) in a drawer next to my computer desk. It's a Zebra G-301 gel. I don't really remember why I bought it, but IIRC it had something to do with the 'gel' part. And, yeah, I've got tons of pens from my insurance agent, and bank, so this one I bought doesn't get used, and now won't even write anymore.
ReplyDeleteI used to like writing with actual fountain pens, but I usually managed to make a mess.
DeleteI, too, have a fair supply of gift pens from various vendors.
ReplyDeleteHowever, somehow, some way, I managed to acquire a large supply of pens from my former federal employer.
I guess I just brought them home without thinking about it.
I guess I just brought them home without thinking about it.
DeleteDid I mention that I have a lifetime supply of paperclips and post-it-notes, too? I suppose the long arm of Elon will catch me eventually.
I don't know if the rest of the federal government was as overrun with Skilcraft pens as was the military, but... I would empty my pockets after work and drop the cheap retractable pen on my dresser. And generally would forget to pick it up again the next morning, not that there'd be any shortage of them when I showed up again.
ReplyDeleteBut about once or twice a year I'd look at the pile of them on my dresser and take them all in to work, just to get rid of them. And then restart the process of slowly accumulating them at home.
I used to really like Waterman pens.
ReplyDeleteThey write smoothly, like Mont Blancs, but they aren't as gaudy. Of course, now they're made in China so they probably suck.
I still have my Cross fountain pen, but I haven't filled it in probably 35 years.
Retractable, refillable, ballpoint pen is imprinted with "U.S. Government" and is the workhorse of the U.S. government and military. Designed to write anywhere including land or water regardless of climate and altitude. Writes one mile.
ReplyDeletemade by the blind at Abilityone, I always liked that, they make all kinds of stuff and I think they get some preference in government contracts.
I remember those from Old Paco's days working for the Yankee government.
Delete