Porcelain Or Melamine Whiteboard – Which Should I Buy?

If you are in the market for a new whiteboard, chances are you’ve seen the ones made from melamine and the ones produced from porcelain. In addition to the obvious price differences, what’s the best choice for you? The materials used in each whiteboard plays a role in several factors to consider such as:

• Overall weight
• Durability
• Long term usage

Quartet Melamine Whiteboard

Let’s talk melamine whiteboards first. While Melamine has a number of different applications, the melamine resin is what’s used to create the dry-erase board surface. Essentially, melamine whiteboards are comprised of pressboard with the resin coating. While melamine boards are less expensive than their porcelain cousins, they aren’t quite as durable.

Melamine boards need to be cleaned after every use or you may begin to see ghosted images and stains. These whiteboards are not magnetic and they scratch relatively easily. I wouldn’t consider using a permanent marker on a melamine board as it will stain permanently.

Lorell Porcelain Whiteboard

Porcelain whiteboards are covered in a ceramic coating, which is a variation of porcelain. The actual board itself is typically produced from steel, making them magnetic and extra-durable. Although porcelain boards are more resistant to stains, they still require occasional cleaning. Porcelain boards are really designed for heavy or long term use, while the melamine boards don’t typically last as long.

Here’s something to think about: Budget and/or price is almost always a major decision-making factor when buying something of this nature. If you foresee the board getting heavy use, then consider a porcelain model as it will significantly outlast a melamine one. Yes, the cost is higher, but chances are you’ll go through 2 or more melamine boards before wearing out one porcelain model. In the event the board will only be used sparingly and cleaned after each use, then the melamine version is a good choice.

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Interesting Facts – History of the Stapler

I’ve always found it interesting that we use certain devices daily, yet know hardly anything about it’s history. Well, here’s some interesting information about the history of the stapler.

The earliest records involving staples were attributed to King Louis XV of France during the 18th century. Although there aren’t records specifically regarding a stapler device, this was the first recorded use of a staple. Each staple for King Louis XV bore the inscription of the royal court as required by the King.

As the use of paper expanded in the 19th century, it lead to a need for some sort of paper fastening device. The first documented record of a paper fastening device occurred in 1841, when inventor Samuel Slocum applied for a patent on a device that stuck pins into paper in order to fasten them together. Historians argue about giving Slocum credit for the modern day staple as his device was really designed to fasten large quantities of papers together in more of a commercial intent as Slocum made his living selling the pins that fit into the device.

Most historians credit American, George McGill, as the father of the modern day staple. In 1866, McGill applied for and received a U.S. patent for a flexible brass paper fastener. In 1867, McGill applied for and received his second patent for a special press that inserted the fastener into paper.

European historians argue that that first true staple and stapler was designed and patented in England by British inventor C.H.Gould, although not a great deal is known about the device.

In 1877, American Henry R. Heyl filed a patent on the first device that would both insert and clinch a staple in one step. Based on this design, many consider him the true inventor of the stapler in the form that we know it today.

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New Vendor – Boss Office Chairs

We are pleased to announce that we are now an authorized dealer for Boss Office Products, which specializes in office chairs and casegoods. Headquartered in CA, Boss specializes in the design and manufacturing of ergonomically focused office chairs and other seating products.

Most Boss products will ship in 2-3 business days, and come with a 6 year limited warranty on most chair models. We let the staff test out some of the Boss chair samples that we received, and the general consensus seemed to be they offered an excellent value for the money.

We’ll be doing some in-depth reviews of the more popular Boss chairs down the road. Until then, give Boss a look if you are in the market for a new office chair. Here’s a listing of all the Boss products we are currently carrying: Boss Office Chairs.

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Pens and Personalities

Not exactly a novel by Jane Austen, this passage is about the instrument known as the pen. Often used to write, sometimes borrowed, frequently lost, sometimes pilfered:  The Pen.

It’s my long held opinion that every pen has a definite personality all its own. The way it writes, feels, and looks all contribute to that personality. Although it’s a very common everyday item, the pen is a very uncommon possession, because its personal to the writer.

The ink pen has always been an intimate item for the user. From ancient Egyptian Reed Pens to the first ball points of 1938, all the way to the felt tips of the 1960’s, users have developed their unwavering preferences for the writing implement they favor. Don’t believe me? Go “borrow” your office mate or a co-workers favorite pen without telling them, and let me know how that works out for you.

The funny thing about pens is people have real trouble articulating why they like them. Just ask any scribbler who has a favorite tool. They will tell you that the pen of their choice became the favorite because?

Although it’s simply my humble opinion and personal preference, I select a pen model as my favorite or one of my favorites based on factors like:

• The tactile feel of the pen in my hand. I’m a stickler for comfort so it absolutely has to be comfortable in my hand.
• The ink should never skip. I already have terrible handwriting so using a pen that skips just makes it even more unreadable.
• I prefer an even flow of ink letter to letter with some room for errors in the event I lift the pen off the paper.

From the inexpensive stic pen to the stately gold filled Cross professional pen, a pen should fit your needs and personality. Even in this e-mailing and texting culture, there is no written expression that conveys our humanity more than a hand written note or letter.

Whether it’s Medium, Bold, Fine or Extra Fine tips, the ink pen defines the message we are trying to convey. And the design of ink pens vary almost as much as the diverse messages for which they are intended.

So, if you are ready to begin your search for a pen that is right for you, Here is a good place to start.

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Workplace First Aid Kits

First aid supplies in the workplace are one of those items that you never really think about until you need it. As a matter of fact, OHSA has reported that as many of 32% of eligible businesses and companies in the U.S. don’t have an up to date first aid kit onsite.

When stocking your workplace first aid supplies, it’s a good idea to follow the recommendations by OSHA.  (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3317first-aid.pdf

OHSA recommends employer’s either give or assign a specific person in the organization the responsibility for choosing the types and amounts of first-aid supplies and for maintaining these supplies. The supplies must be adequate, should reflect the kinds of injuries that occur, and must be stored in an area where they are readily available for emergency access.

In addition to the standard first aid supplies, OHSA is also now suggesting that companies consider having an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site along with a percentage of the employees or staff with training on how to use it.

In addition to the suggested supplies for first aid, OHSA has added ten items that are listed as required supplies. The new standard also calls for the kits to be labeled with specific wordage.

The first 10 items below are considered required now:
1. Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches).
2. Two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches).
3. Box adhesive bandages (band-aids).
4. One package gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide.
5. Two triangular bandages.
6. Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes.
7. Scissors.
8. At least one blanket.
9. Tweezers.
10. Adhesive tape.
11. Latex gloves.
12. Resuscitation equipment such as resuscitation bag, airway, or
pocket mask.
13. Two elastic wraps.
14. Splint.
15. Directions for requesting emergency assistance.

If you happen to be responsible for the first aid kit in your office, you have two choices:

• Create the kit by purchasing supplies individually
• Purchase a pre-prepared kit

The pre-prepared kits are the most popular option, and the model that we carry can be seen here. For larger operations, employers or management should determine how many first-aid kits are needed, and if it is appropriate to augment the kits with additional first-aid equipment and supplies. Employers who have unique or changing first-aid needs should consider upgrading their first-aid kits.

If you aren’t sure or are confused about the content of a first aid kit, consider consulting with the local fire and rescue service or emergency medical professionals.

By assessing the specific needs of their workplaces, employers can ensure the availability of adequate first-aid supplies.

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