When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ballpoint pens would not work in zero gravity. To combat the problem, NASA scientists spent a decade and $12 Billion to develop a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface including glass and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to 300C. The Russians used a pencil.
yep, knew that from ages ago. thing is... if i was an american taxpayer i would be mighty pi**ed off @ that. money well spent? maaaaaaaaadness