This is a short post that isn't about programming, but is the latest in an irregular series called "things that bug me".

I can't remember when I first heard the story about how NASA's x million dollar investment in space pen technology was trumped by the Soviets' clever use of pencils. The story crops up sometimes as an example of how pragmatism beats... who knows? Pen-mad inventors?

At any rate, the story is a load of nonsense, and obviously so. Beyond that, it bugs me for reasons including but not limited to its gleeful anti-americanism and its underestimation of the people who work in the space program (likely v. smart).

Anyway, read all about it at snopes. And arm yourself with the facts about inuit words for snow while you are at it.

Note that I favour pencils myself, and use a fine Lamy propelling pencil as my daily writer.

Tags: things that bug me