We have lift off

Apollo Technical Pen and Drafting Scale by Pranay and Paul

I backed the Apollo Technical Pen at the $65 level and received a Pen as a reward.  I also ponied up for an extra stylus tip and pen roll.  I do love pens.  My go to pen is Uni Jetstream 0.7 which I'll have to write about later since it by far one of the best pens I've encountered to date.  I decided to back this project because in my love for pens is also a love for refills.  It was billed as a pen that could accept many different types of refills.  Instead of buying boxes of pens to try, I could just try the refills and the ink.

Timeline:
Pledged-NOV2013
Estimated Delivery-FEB2014
Arrival of Reward-SEP2015

Update 05JAN2015
I have been using the pen with slight modifications to the refill.  I have pierced holes at the tip of the refill tube to allow for better airflow.  I noticed that at times the ink would not flow properly.  Being a great fan of the Uni Jetstream and having full knowledge that the refill couldn't be empty I used a push pin to increase the airflow an minimize the suction effect on the ink.  Haven't had a problem since.

Update 02JAN2017
I used this pen faithfully for an entire year. I gave up on open ended refills, because they were imploding/exploding, er the ink was not staying put even with the relief I was providing. I switched to an enclosed refill from Monteverde. It's my journal pen now. The Monteverde ink was originally purchased for a cool pen I had from college, but I could never quite find the refill

Update 10DEC2017
Last update came in on 09FEB2016 and people still haven't received their reward. As evidenced in the comments section. They promised to have replacement and retooled parts to address the exploding refill issue. They have not fulfilled thousands of orders and it looks as if a refund is not coming any time soon. Kickstarter needs to get a handle on these campaigns that don't address issues with their backers in a timely manner. 5 years is way too long for no product and no answers. This pen is decent. I still use it to journal with when fountain pen is inconvenient to carry. Lesson learned.

Mislead, Par for Kickstarter

If you read my last post, you'll remember that I promised and update and full review of two Kickstarter projects that I had backed and received rewards for.  Well it's been over a month since that post and not a peep from me.  That's par for the course on Kickstarter.  When you back a project lower your expectations a bit and be prepared for little to no communication.  Deadlines are not hard and fast.  Some project creators are very good about communicating and delivering their rewards.  But since Kickstarter doesn't hold them accountable in a transparent way it can be very difficult for a project backer to obtain a refund, reward, or financial statements when the project does not succeed in deliverables.  I ask those of you that have backed projects through Kickstarter, what are the most unforgivable acts in the eyes of the backers?  I do have reviews of the Apollo Pen, and the Key Stak ready for posting on Tuesday.  I've gotten to use the Apollo Pen for several months now and can appreciate the work it took to create it.  The Key Stak is an entirely different story.  You'll have to wait until Tuesday to read what I have to say about them both.

Oy Vey

So about that whole Kickstarter thing.  I know it's Thursday, but I am wrapping up a full review of two Kickstarter projects, KeyStak, and Apollo Pen.  They will be posted on Tuesday after the New Year with photos to boot.  The snow is falling in Erie, and I have several projects going in addition to the Kickstarter reviews I'm wrapping up.  One of them on Stolen Valor, and the second will be ongoing as the adventures of my new four legged friend.  Volleyball season has officially given me release to write about and engage in other projects and interests.  I thank all of you for sticking with me.
--bou

Several ideas in my head

Currently in my tiny head, I have several ideas swimming around.  First, we have a huge week of volleyball as our last regular season home games take place this Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.  There will be a lot of activity planned in addition to the volleyball being played.  It involves a lot of coordination with college students, some of them are very mindful and communicative, and some not so much, but it's a place for learning so I won't sweat the small stuff.

Second, my Kickstarter Tuesday review of Key Stak is almost ready.  I had to retake some photos and test the layout of the post so that it doesn't turn out funky on mobile devices.  I am still waiting on the creator to get back to me regarding the financials of the project so that may have to sit on a back burner until then.  I want to make sure I include his perspective on the project.  In the meantime I do have write-ups for other campaigns that I've backed.

Third, I love dogs.  I've applied to Golden Retrievers In Need Rescue Service, Inc. (GRIN), http://www.grinrescue.org/ and I hope that I will be matched to a new friend soon.  I have to temper my excitement and anticipation as I navigate the application process.  The last 2 dogs I've co-owned with my sister.  This dog will be exclusively in my care and possession.  While it presents a whole new set of challenges, I just can't wait to give one of these dogs a new outlook on life and some fun adventures.  That's all I have for now.  I didn't want October to pass bay without an update on what I have cooking.  I hope all is well with you.

Kickstarter Journaling

Yes, it's been ages since I posted.  Is anybody out there?  My world has been very busy, with good things of course.  My team has completely consumed my time this summer, and it's paying off.  I'll save those tales for another day.  My Tuesday posts will serve to chronicle my experiences with Kickstarter projects.

In the past year I have pledged to a few projects.  My purpose for pledging was to experience first hand how the process works, what kind of tools are available to the "little guy", and of course to get a reward from the pledge.

I will qualify that Kickstarter is not a marketplace or storefront for small business.  It's a place where the "little guy" can ask for money to build, create, or inspire something near and dear to their heart.  Those things require money and KS is a one of many places to ask for it.  I offer you an objective representation of each of my experiences on KS and interactions with the project creators.

Currently Backed:
FreeRider by Ryan Moseman
Juiceboxx by Juiceboxx Inc. (tOSU Startup)
Key Stak by Mike Kamber
Apollo Technical Pen and Drafting Scale by Pranay and Paul

Completed Projects:
Mauve in Mauve by Tera Tolentino

Failed to Fund:
Pocket Bike Juice by Leed Bicycle Solutions LLC

Dropped Pledges:
Maintenance-Free Bicycles by Dave Weiner
Fly Kly Smart Wheel by Niko Klansek

It's been a long time since I posted anything, and I don't really have an excuse except that I've been lazy in recording my thoughts.  Today, I'm recovering from a horrendous cough/congestion thing that I got while working camp at University of Illinois.  So I'll write a little today and hopefully everyday.

So if you don't follow me on Twitter @bchanthavisouk or Facebook then here are some of my highlights.  I'll omit all the times, I was mistaken for a small child or had food thrown at me while riding my bicycle.

In November 2012, my team at Gannon University won the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) the first ever conference title for the volleyball program.  Our team also hit a major milestone and won our first round match at the NCAA tournament, but that is as far as the train took us.

In June 2013, I successfully planned and took my first trip on French Creek in Northwest  PA by kayak from Sagertown, PA to Franklin, PA.

During this trip I realized the complex nature of the human condition and decided that on the 4th of July I would fast in support of the millions of people that go hungry everyday through no fault of their own and in solidarity for those that hunger for change in their world.

So here I am, existing, resisting the confines of social conformity.  While in Illinois for volleyball camp, I came to the understanding that I let my emotions get the better of me at times, and I need to be mindful of how it affects others.  Case in point, I was starting to battle what i thought were allergies and in my haste, ended up taking medication that made me, well to put it mildly, angry.  It wasn't until a colleague alerted me to this fact that I made a change.  I'm not sure what I did differently, but just being aware, and seeking out feedback from others seemed to alleviate whatever anger I was displaying.  Then this cough took on a life of it's own.

I went to visit a friend in Milwaukee and while she was away at work I decided to see the city and snap some photos.  What started as a photo tour turned into a local meet and greet with strangers.  I photographed this gentlemen sleeping on a bench while walking along the riverwalk.  I felt bad about snapping his picture, so I asked him if he was hungry and we got some hot dogs, and bubble tea from a lunch truck vendor.  I asked him his name and he either didn't want to tell me or didn't hear me, but he told me how he came to live on the streets.  We chatted some more and I told him why I was in town, and then he bid me fairwell to play cards in the park with some other homeless friends.

Well it was 80+ degrees outside and I was coughing, and sweating in ways that no human should ever do so I decided to call it a day.  On my way back to my car I saw some guy tooling around with his motorcycle and not having much success.  I offered him a jump, and he accepted with gratitude.  After getting him started and proceeding back to my friends place, I wondered how I could be the same angry coach to the kids and a kind stranger at the same time.

Now I realize that my anger didn't manifest in physical way, I just gave off an angry vibe in my interactions with the kids.  But the fact that I could be so terrible a person that someone notices and so kind to strangers really terrifies me.

July

I know January marks the new year for most of the normal people, but for me July marks the new year. It is a time when my job as a volleyball coach changes over to the new season.  The Seniors in High School we recruited are done with their graduations, and will soon join us as college freshman.  The Juniors in High School now take their place on the Senior stage.  Our budgets roll over and we buy our equipment for the team and get ready for camps, and preseason.

I reset my brain since Nationals are finished, and clean up old paperwork and files.  I also take this time to work other camps and clinics and bone up on my ball control skills in preparation for the upcoming season.  This is also the established time for me to reset and refresh all of my electronics.  I back files up and start fresh.  Sometimes I refine my workflows and thought processes to make more efficient use of technology.

Some of the new things I'm working on include a redesign for a Boys Club team I work with from California.  I think I'll add more photos and video and well as twitter feeds to my blog.  I have not been very good about sharing my stories and I know some of you don't use facebook, so I will be more diligent about updating you on my trials and tribulations as I navigate this thing called life.  Illinois Volleyball Camp is up to bat and Gannon Volleyball Camp is on deck.  Somewhere in there is a side trip in Chicago to visit a friend or two.  I would bet a sizable amount of cash (if I had some) that I either almost get hit by a vehicle (happens more often than you think) or I get mistaken for a lost child at the Amtrak station.  You'll just have to stay tuned to find out.