To point out that I've always had pet peeves, even as a child, I'd like to discuss "Magic Markers" with you.  I believe I was in elementary school when it all started.  My friends would ask for a magic marker and I would start into thinking, "...that's a name brand of a marker, why don't they just say marker?  I don't have any Magic Markers and what's so ""magic"" about them anyway?"

I've carried these thoughts with me for many years because I still think the same thing when people refer to magic markers now.   The term "magic marker" is in fact a genericized trademark, like Xerox or Astro Turf.  The funny thing is, there are so many brands of markers out now that I'm not even sure if you can buy an actual Magic Marker anymore.

Here's a little history for those interested:

• Felt tip markers were invented in the 1940's
• The Magic Marker was invented and put on the market by Sidney Rosenthal
• Binney & Smith (Crayola) bought the name "Magic Marker" in 1989

So there you have it, my deep dark secret which really wasn't a secret but maybe now that I have officially "told the world" I can let it go.  Maybe.

Historical info pulled from http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blpen.htm

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Posted by MusingMom

Oh I like history tidbits like these! I removed "magic markers" from reach not because of how they worked on paper, but how they worked on other surfaces, LOL! When my kids found oil pastels that became their prefered medium because they made such thick, intense color. They, too, are messy so they have been removed. Maybe some day they'll come out again :-)

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