A typical pencil can draw a line 35 miles long or write about 45,000 words.
Most ball-point pens will draw a line 4,000 to 7,500 feet long.
In 1908 A.C. Steward developed a press that could imprint round pencils.
The porous-point pen was introduced in 1963.
In 1977 a new type of ballpoint that uses low-viscosity ink was introduced - the "Rollerball".
An unpainted pencil inserted into the soil of a potted plant can eliminate mealy bugs on plants.
Plant growers mark their plant labels with pencil because it is one marking that won't fade in sunlight.
Seeing a pencil in your dream indicates that you are making a temporary impact in a situation. It may also suggest that a relationship may not last long.
Dreaming that you are sharpening a pencil, suggests that you need to be more flexible in your way of thinking.
Why are pencils yellow?
Pencils have been painted yellow ever since the 1890s. And that bright color
isn't just so you can find them on your desk more easily! During the 1800s,
the best graphite in the world came from China. American pencil makers wanted
a special way to tell people that their pencils contained Chinese graphite.
In China, the color yellow is associated with royalty and respect. American
pencil manufacturers began painting their pencils bright yellow to communicate
this "regal" feeling and association with China. Today, 75% of the
pencils sold in the United States are painted yellow! Source: 2000 Incense
Cedar Institute
Say What?
Have you ever seen a left-handed pencil? Left-handed pencils do exist. But it
has nothing to do with the way it writes - it's all about the text printed on
the pencil. On an ordinary pencil the text runs from the tip to the head so
you can read it when you hold it.
World's Most Famous Pen Collector
Comedian, actor and educator, Bill Cosby is the most famous pen enthusiast in the world. For years he lent his talent to promoting New York City Fountain Pen Hospital.
Kid Friendly Writing
Although many basic handwriting tasks, like making lists, can be done with printing,
children still need to be able to read cursive. It also enables children to
write faster and more efficiently, because the pencil/pen isn't lifted from
the paper until the word is finished.
To encourage handwriting at home:
If your child could use additional handwriting practice, there are numerous ways to help. Find out what cursive style is taught at school. Borrow or buy the teaching materials.
Keep practice time brief - five minutes daily.
Demonstrate how to form the letters and connections between the letters.
Check your child's grasp - Make sure the thumb isn't tucked in or overlapping the other fingers and a poor grasp is usually too tight.
Source: Parents February 2001