The Shape Of Writing Has Changed (NAPSA)—The makers of the world’s most recognized pencil continue to change the shape of writing. It’s a triangular shaped pencil that eases writing stress by allowing maximum surface contact between the pencil and the fingers. Ergonomic experts say the new three-sided pencil, called the TriConderoga, is the world’s most comfortable pencil. Larger than a normal No. 2 pencil, the triangular shape is more comfortable and easier for consumers to grip and use than traditional round or hexagonal-shaped pencils. And with the wave of Sudoku raging the nation, the Tri-Conderoga is a natural choice for puzzle lovers everywhere. Here are some facts that will sharpen your knowledge about pencils: More than twobillion pencils are used in the United States every year. A pencil will write in zero gravity. The average pencil can be sharpened 17 times and can write 45,000 words or draw a line 35 miles long. Seventy-five percent of the pencils sold in the United States are yellow. The Ticonderoga No. 2 is the world’s best-selling pencil. Famous novelists Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck used pencils to write their books; Steinbeck used as many as 25 cedar pencils every day. One million pencils are used @ : % Eureka!—When experts determined that a natural triangle is formed when a pencil is held, they created a triangular-shaped pencil. each yearon the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Pencils did not have erasers on them until 100 years ago, because teachers felt they would encourage children to make mistakes. Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner”in pencil. The triangular-shaped TriConderoga is like the familiar No. 2 pencil with style. It is made entirely of premium California incense cedar, has a “soft- touch” finish and sports a latexfree black eraser that ensures smudge-proof corrections. The Tri-Conderoga is non- toxic and certified by the Pencil Manufacturers Association, making it safe for everyone. This new pencil is available at Staples stores throughout the country. To learn more, visit www. dixonticonderoga.com.
