Independence Day – 4th July

               The importance of Independence Day cannot be conveyed in words, the declaration of democracy was a glorious moment for each and every American. Till this date the glorious event that took place in 4^th July 1776 carries a promising faith of what became a new independent America. This day reflects a great significance to all fellow Americans as it’s the day when United Stated claimed its independence from the palms of England by signing the declaration of independence.

            

              Every year Independence Day is celebrated with immense joy by setting aside the hustle and bustle of regular life and reliving this day with pride and glory. As per the occasion a number of events take place all across the country to express the joy of freedom. Most tend to celebrate this federal holiday outdoors attending various carnivals and picnic with family and friends while others aim to hear the speech conveyed by the politicians who are very less likely to introduce themselves in public on a normal day. At the end of the day fireworks all across the country glitters up the sky with the sparks of freedom.  This year Pen Boutique is glad to wish each and every fellow Americans a very happy Independence Day.  

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Though UN has implemented various actions to repel the trafficking of illicit drugs, more and more amount of drugs is still spilling over the border.

- Around 200 million people around the world still use illicit drugs
- The production farm of opium increased by 36% in 2014
- The death toll due to abuse of illicit drug has risen to 183000 in the previous year


Despite the consequences, people still don’t back off from the illicit abuse and trafficking of drugs. Over the years the death tolls due to drug abuse has been significantly increasing. Not only has illicit drug been a major reason for premature death but also it has wasted the productive years of many who have fallen under its trap. Though United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime have taken various steps to minimize the abuse of illicit drugs, still  rough report states  that 0.6 percent of the total population falls under the criteria of drug abuse. Despite of government bodies around the world taking necessary steps to minimize drug trafficking and abuse, the issue seems to remain constant. One of its main reasons is the globalization of chemical trade which consequently has diverted the use of chemicals from legal to illegal.

This year, on 26th of June, International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking let’s work towards making our world a drug abuse-free planet. Let’s create a better world.

Happy Father’s Day

While Moms are usually responsible for maintaining order in the family, it is Dads who come as a much needed respite in hours of rescue. He is our big friend, our protector, most daughters’ first love and a son’s mentor. In a nutshell, he is more than the man who pays the bills. He is the man who stays strong for us in the worst of times. This Father’s Day don’t miss out on the opportunity to thank the big man. And rather than just expressing your gratitude with words (not that it isn’t recommended), pair it with a valuable gift. Pen Boutique presents to you an assortment of item that could be your Father’s Day gift.

1. Pilot Namiki Vanishing Point Pen Black Carbon Fiber/Rhodium Fountain Pen: The revolutionary push button fountain pen is one of a kind, just like your father. The black carbon fiber finish gives it a rough, sturdy appearance that has a nib of gold. In fact, this could even be a family heirloom.

2. Dalvey Grand Voyager Compass: For the outdoor-man that your father is or wants to be, the Dalvery Grand Voyager Compass is the perfect father’s day gift. With the glazed window and dramatic deep-engraved detailing the compass makes for a powerful yet classic impression.

3. Montblanc Cuff Links Round PVD finish Stainless Steel and Black Onyx: This pair of cuff links is a style statement; the black onyx is bold and the stainless steel frame is elegant. For the stylish pop who can always dress a notch above you, the cuff links from Montblanc is perfect.

4. Dalvey Desk Globe and Stand: The crystal globe can have emotional value if you don’t live very close to your father or work keeps you two away from each other around the year. The globe could easily be the centerpiece of your Dad’s work desk – a reminder that despite the distance he is close to your heart.

5. Dalvey Grand Odyssey Clock: Well the watch is the definition of classic and everyone should have one of their own. You father will love it, despite his preferences or taste.

These are the top five gift suggestion we have for you, but these aren’t the only ones available. We have prepared an entire segment stacked with possible Father’s Day gifts. Pick as you please for your old man.

Note: To learn about the price, go to the link.

Ink Trivia

Using a twist converter with Ink Bottle

One of the many joys of using a fine fountain pen is availability in the wide assortment of bottled ink to choose from. Whether conservative or flamboyant, there is an ink to fit every personality and your every mood. You can always dip a pen for inking, but using a pen converter provides a longer lasting ink reserve and allows your ideas to flow.  Some may be a little leery of exploring using a fountain pen converter. Here are some detailed easy instructions to take out the mystery of converters.

1.) Unscrew the neck from the pen barrel and insert the open end of the converter.
2.) Dip the pen in ink up to the hole in the nib. Be careful not to jam the nib point into the bottom of the bottle.
3.) Twist the black converter screw top clockwise three or four times to fill the ink reservoir.
4.) Ink remaining on the neck or nib should be wiped off with a clean tissue or cloth before use.

You are now ready to write!

Question: When was the first pen reservoir invented?





















Answer:  As an answer to 10th century ruler Fatomid Caliph of Egypt demand for a pen which would not stain his hands or clothes, a pen which held ink in a reservoir and delivered it to the nib in was created in 953.

Pen Trivia

Question: A pen by Thomas Edison is still used today. What is its purpose?





















Answer:  The first safe electric motor driven office appliance produced and sold in the United States was an electric pen, part of a complete outfit for duplicating handwritten documents and drawings. Thomas Edison filed a patent for his “Stencil-Pen” in 1876. The Stencil-pen was a commercial failure in its intended use of print duplication.

The invention received a reincarnation in 1891. Edison’s Stencil-Pen became a launching point for a newly defined industry. With Samuel O’Reilly’s modification to the inventions’ original design, the art of tattoos received a new boost in availability. O’Reilly expanded on Edison’s design, to allow the Stencil-pen to serve as a tool–injecting ink under skin instead of into paper.

Writer Corner

William Faulkner had some specific ideas about becoming a writer. You become a writer simply by reading and writing.

“Read, read, read everything – trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write. If it is good, you’ll find out. If it is not, throw it out the window!”

“Don’t be a writer, be writing.”

“You don’t need writing classes or seminars any more than you need this or any other book on writing.” Faulkner learned his trade while working in the Oxford, Mississippi post office. Other writers have learned the basics while serving in the Navy, working in steel mills or doing time in America’s finer hotels.

Faulkner’s strong commitment to writing still lives on.

The PEN/Faulkner Foundation is an outgrowth of William Faulkner’s generosity in using his 1949 Nobel Prize winnings to create the William Faulkner Foundation among the charitable goals of the foundation was "to establish a fund to support and encourage new fiction writers."

The PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction is awarded annually by the PEN/Faulkner Foundation to the authors of the year's best works of fiction by living American citizens.

Write everywhere and often.

Writer Quotes

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.” –
Ralph Waldo Emerson

“I never did calligraphy... But handwriting is an entirely different kind of thing. It's part of the syndrome of modernism... It's part of that asceticism.” - Paul Rand

“I was filling entire school notebooks with stories by Grade 3. Of course, they were double-spaced, and the handwriting was huge.’ - Linwood Barclay

“You may not be able to read a doctor's handwriting and prescription, but you'll notice his bills are neatly typewritten.” - Earl Wilson

Recording Family History

Family bibles uses expand beyond being just religious scripture document. Many have also served the purpose of providing a home for records of important events that happened such as deaths, births, graduations and weddings for centuries. Many family bibles even include traditions, recipes and family anecdotes.

Recording electronic family history may now be the norm, but hi-tech solutions are not essential. The preference for keeping detailed paper records, including handwritten biographical outlines for each ancestor, family group records and pedigree charts, in a family bible or beautifully adorned journal is once again gaining momentum.

Even though most people are completely comfortable working with a computer, there is something to be said for keeping a fine penmanship record of your ancestors’ past. You not only keep your family history alive you also contribute to preserving the keeping of private and public records using the fine art of handwriting.

It may be time to treat yourself, and future generations, to a fine heirloom pen that can not only record your family’s current activities; it can be used by your great-great-grandchildren in many years to come.

Here’s a good starting point of suggested pens to get your search going:

http://www.penboutique.com/parker-sonnet-sterling-silver-cisele-gold-trim-rollerball-pen.html
http://www.penboutique.com/aurora-ipsilon-satin-blue-rollerball-pen.html

Faber Castell E-Motion Fountain Pen Review

Faber-Castell E-Motion Pure Black Fountain Pen

The e-motion has long been one of the most popular Faber-Castell lines available.  It has mainly been built with a wood or precious resin body and metal front section, cap and rear section.  Faber-Castell’s latest iteration is a whole metal affair – the Pure Black edition.  This is a modern looking, minimalist designed writing instrument. The body is made of an anodized aluminum with a guilloche pattern engraved on it, which offers a tactile feel and grip without being too rough.  The front section, cap and end piece are chrome plated and then finished in matte black.  The fountain pen’s nib is stainless steel coated in PVD, and is available in Fine, Medium or Broad. Faber-Castell also offers this line in Rollerball, Ballpoint or Mechanical Pencil.  The fountain pen uses international size cartridges and a converter is included.

 While a bit shorter than most other pens, the tapered cylindrical shape allows the e-motion to fill the hand.  The all metal construction leads to a weighty pen – 1.9 oz as measured on our postal scale.  The cap is .7 oz and the body is 1.2 oz.  While somewhat shorter in stature than most pens, the Pure Black does not feel inconsequential. Posted, the length is just right and I found the shorter body and heavy cap to create an overall well balanced writing experience – the combination of the smoothness of the nib and the weight of the pen made writing with the e-motion very enjoyable.  I like the feel of the guilloche pattern on the body, and the front section is of a good diameter as well.  The nib is removable, making cleaning a breeze.  If I had to choose one issue, it would be that the guilloche pattern traps dust and lint very easily, and the black color makes this easy to see.  However, a quick wipe with a cloth and it goes back to looking brand new.  Something that I really like about the finish on this piece is that it will not readily show fingerprints, unlike chrome plated pens.

 The Faber-Castell e-motion Pure Black fountain pen is by far one of my favorites – It is understated, yet catches your eye; it is shorter, yet has a surprisingly nice weight; it is easy to clean, easy to write with, and should be on everyone’s must-try list.

- Joe (Pen Boutique Limited, 5560 Sterrett Place, Columbia, MD 21044)

Ink Trivia

 


Question: What is the difference between a Ballpoint pens/refills and Rollerball pens/refills?

Answer: Ballpoint pen refills use a thick oil based ink where the ball in the pen nib pushes the ink on to the paper. Ballpoint pens have a thick ink that does not evaporate easily. A cap is not necessary. Ballpoint ink is less likely to bleed through the paper.

A Rollerball pen is more related to the fountain pen as it uses a water based ink. The Rollerball pen and refill was first introduced to fit the demands of loyalists of fountain pens that missed the use of a wetter ink. Rollerball ink spreads on paper widely and goes inside the paper a little deeper than oil-based ink of a ballpoint pen.

Since the water based ink of a Rollerball pen has a higher rate of drying out, having a cap is absolutely necessary for this pen to cover the pen nib when not in use.

Most Ballpoint and Rollerball refills are offered in fine and medium size, some brands offer broad.

Pen Trivia

Pens have been used as props in motion pictures for years.

Director Stanley Kubrick was indeed ahead of his time, and no film shows that more than 1968’s “2001”. The effects for the time are rather remarkable. The film opens up with a simple pen floating in zero gravity. Today, you would be able to computerize it in. But in 1968 it was an impressive scene.

In the 1998 movie "Enemy of the State" with Will Smith and Gene Hackman there was a scene where Smith's character takes apart his Parker 51 looking for a tracking device.

The character Veronica, played by Winona Ryder, used a Montblanc pen to write in her diary in the teen favorite movie teen “Heathers”.

In “A Beautiful Mind” a young prodigy named John Nash (played by Russell Crowe) begins to develop paranoid schizophrenia and endures delusional episodes. Towards the end of the film he is being interviewed by a member of the Nobel Committee, when his Princeton colleagues present him with their pens. In others words, the pens are symbolic of the respect they have for the mathematical genius.

Question: What pen brand is predominantly featured in the “Breakfast Club”?































Answer: It was a Lamy Safari Ballpoint that Brian was putting up his nose in the movie “The Breakfast Club”.

Writing Corner

“The perfect pen and the perfect paper and me working on work that pleases me and has no note for the critics.” - John Steinbeck

Edgar Allan Poe believed that handwriting is an indication of character revealing our “mental qualities.” Indeed, the marks we leave on the paper are our most intimate of thoughts. Few exercises offer the not always seamless collaboration between brain and body like that direct line of the brain and the tip of the pen reaching paper creating copy.

John Steinbeck (February 27, 1902–December 20, 1968) captures this curious role of the pen as a negotiator between brain and body in a series of disarming observations in Working Days: The Journals of The Grapes of Wrath. This remarkable volume that gives us a glimpse of how the great writer used the diary as a tool of discipline and a hedge against self-doubt when he embarked on the most intense writing experience of his life, the masterwork that earned him the Pulitzer Prize and his Nobel Prize.

Writer Quotes

“In composing, as a general rule, run your pen through every other word you have written; you have no idea what vigor it will give your style.” - Sydney Smith

“I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.” - James Michener

“If you can't write your idea on the back of my calling card, you don't have a clear idea.” - David Belasco

“Everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. “- Sylvia Plath

“The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium.” - Norbet Platt

Engraved Pen Gifts

As early as 60,000 BC, humans engraved ostrich eggshells used as water containers. These eggs are the first sign of humans engraving patterns. More advanced engraving developed over time and by the reign of the Egyptian and Greek empires engraving as a form of documentation and communication had developed. Again, to this date documentation from ancient Egyptians remain in museums around the world, leaving an engraved insight into an ancient world.

In addition to being a form of communication and documentation, engraving was used to reproduce printed artwork, documentation and in printing. Engraving has been used to create printing templates out of metal to reproduce newspapers, books, currency and art. To this day, engravings are used to produce unique moulds to create intricate currency the world over.

An engraved pen is a personalized gift that lasts forever. Graduations are the ideal time to give a gift that shows you know the former student has accomplished much and you congratulate the efforts.
Pen Boutique specializes in fine writing instrument engravings. We take great pride in personalizing with precision.

Here are some suggestions for the accomplished graduate on your shopping list:

http://www.penboutique.com/parker-ingenuity-small-black-with-gold-trim-pen.html
http://www.penboutique.com/waterman-hemisphere-deluxe-silky-black-ct-fountain-pen.html
http://www.penboutique.com/pilot-namiki-vanishing-point-metallic-fountain-pen-mountain-blue-5946.html

Mother’s Day Moment Winner

***************************WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT *************************

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Heather Laishley.

Sharing her Mother’s Day Moment on our Facebook timeline, Heather Laishley wrote, “One of my many favorite Mother's Day moments with my mom is when I bought her a ring that she really wanted. Also bought her the matching charm for my little brother to give to her. The smiles on our faces and the tears that filled her eyes I will never forget.” The gesture she made to her mother on Mother’s Day didn’t only win her our hearts but also earned her the most likes in the contest. And so as per the rules of the contest, Ms. Laishley has won “Waterman Elegance Ivory GT Fountain Pen” worth $555.00.

Pen Boutique hopes she enjoys using the Waterman fountain pen, as much as she has enjoyed winning it. Congratulations once again!!