I have cited WAY too many times the ‘fact’ that during the Space Race, NASA scientists realised normal ball point pens wouldn’t work without gravity and ended up spending a gazillion dollars developing a new type of anti-gravity pen. ‘The Russians,’ I say, ‘just used a pencil.’
It’s about simplicity mostly, but also more-than-hints at an American predilection for excess.
But I found out recently it’s not true! I was told by someone with a counter anecdote that NASA chose not to use a pencil because a graphite pencil could explode.
That made me think Russians are cheap and have a disregard for human life.
Basically, whatever version I hear, I shoehorn an existing, negative stereotype into.
(Also, an embarrassingly small amount of research reveals neither is entirely accurate. The graphite flakes and pencils are flammable, etc. etc. so it is a safety issue but not as dramatic as spontaneous combustion.
It turns out an independent American company developed the pen and NASA bought 400 at $6 each. The Russians bought them too. I think Sharper Image probably bought the rest. #nichejoke)
As ever, thanks for reading,
Katherine
Recent History in Cartoons
I can’t help it! I have GREAT ideas.
I’m not sure at what age I started equating weather with clothes washing potential, but it’s happened.
Entitled ‘The School Holidays’:
Confession: The concept for the following graph came from writer Clare Fletcher, who’s novel Five Bush Weddings I just purchased on Kobo.
I guess they’re called ‘watches’ because you watch them but what if they watched you?
Two Cool Things
My friend Meg Dunley has started hosting writing retreats. This is great news. In addition to being a writer, she’s run creative writing workshops and courses for many years. I’ve been with her on A LOT of retreats. You can take up her offer of writing exercises and supports or do your own thing. I recommend.
We did a family watch of Planes, Trains and Automobiles during the school holidays and oh boy has it stood the test of time. I was obsessed with John Candy as a kid. Judd Apatow has an interview with John Candy in his (Judd’s) book of interviews with comedians, ‘Sicker in the Head’. Sadly but inevitably, as Judd was only 15 when he did the interview and it didn’t make his first book, it’s not the best interview. Still, John Candy!
Hahah. Always love to read your newsletter. Thank for the shoutout!!