Common sense in the workplace is not something I usually write about but in this case, I think it’s fitting. Besides, I was thinking about my favorite pens and this common sense story came to mind.

I use these fabulous pens from Uni-Ball called the Power Tank RT. I use them exclusively. I hate gel pens because they smear too easily.

Not only do these pens not smear, but they always write. Always. No matter if you’re writing upside down, right side up or somewhere in between.

Now, the reason these wonderful pens write upside down (unlike all other pens), is because they were developed by NASA during the Space Race.

The astronauts needed writing utensils that would work in space where there’s no gravity. And all other pens rely on gravity to feed the ink to the tip. That’s why they won’t work upside down or even sideways.

So NASA embarked on a project to develop pens that would work under any conditions. And they succeeded admirably. They developed a pressurized tank for the ink so it would always feed regardless of the gravity. Did I mention I love my pens? I won’t buy anything else.

So NASA spent millions of dollars to develop these very specialized pens.

When the Russians realized their astronauts needed writing utensils in space, they came up with a truly radical and innovative solution. They sent them up with pencils…

Cost: .50 cents.

PS – Who makes these pens I love so much? A Japanese company that licensed the technology from NASA…Ahhh yes. Common sense…

HackingEthics

Originally posted 2008-08-26 15:36:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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