He Who Hesitates Gets Inked

There is an old proverb that says "He who hesitates is lost". Not any more. At least not in writing. Today the Sharpie Blog, yes you read that correctly, the Sharpie Blog, announced the upcoming release of it's new liquid graphite pencil. It writes in erasable liquid graphite and after three days turns to permanent ink. Office Depot already has it available at $4.99 for a two pack.

I assume large companies do market research prior to developing a new product. Putting an item on the market "just because they can" is not a formula often used in business. The exception is Starbucks. They actually have stores across the street from one and other and I think it is just because they can (and to cater to some really lazy caffeine junkies). Therefor there must be some pretty great uses for this liquid pencil.

*I am addressing my holiday cards. The family has been squabbling quite a bit. I have three days to change my mind about wasting a card on someone that has just been on my last nerve.

*Marriage certificates can now have a three day rescission period. Not happy with your choice of spouse? Simply erase that signature.

*I can now prove my adeptness at completing the New York Times Crossword Puzzle in ink. All I have to do is not show it to anyone for three days after my last corrected entry.

*It will be an invaluable tool in the dating world. Birthday cards can be amended at a whim. Salutations of "My dearest love" can be amended to "hey there" after that awkward breakup. It's a greener world when we don't waste paper!

*Teachers can start grading papers with the new Sharpie. Simply post the grades for the class to see and let the grade negotiations begin. If the student can convince the teacher within the three day period to raise the grade, everyone wins and the parents are none the wiser.

Most of what I write isn't with pen and paper any longer. The exception being checks. As much as I would like to debate the amount of my phone bill, and maybe amend it to a lower price, something tells me I wouldn't have service much longer. If I switch to a life of crime rather than honest labor, the liquid pencil could be invaluable. Simply lend it to a customer writing a check to me and, well you can figure out the rest. My to do lists and grocery shopping notes are on my phone via apps now and are far more convenient, for me, than carrying around a notebook in my purse.

Drafting, design work, and pattern creation could be simplified with the liquid pencil. As Americans we believe "Build it and they will come". No doubt many uses will be discovered once we get our hands on one.

As for pencils, in my household they are a commodity and closely guarded. Pencils are removed from safe keeping only for the weekly ritualistic crossword wars. Six Down: What is an seven letter word for pointless?