We've all run out of ink and pens at specific points.

Asked people at random places and occasions if we can borrow a pen.

This product takes into account that behavior.

It's small enough to fit on a keychain.

And since it's made from a silver composite, it writes on most surfaces.

No ink required, so no refills 

That solves the problems all ball points have. They dry up if left unused over time.

These days, the need to write in notebooks has progressively reduced.

But jotting down ideas exactly when you come up with them is not lost on writers or anyone who's ever been in the creative business.

Capture them as soon as inspiration strikes. Those moments of clarity are short. Recalling it never has the same feel.

Smartphone note-taking apps with styluses are available but writing on paper to capture the flow of ideas beats anything devised by technology.

The pen has been engineered to fit into zip linings, keychains and anything we carry around on a daily basis. That's where it scores.

Kickstarter projects are great testing grounds to evaluate customer interest and commitment.

If not diamonds, you can surprise her with a pen!

The flights to nowhere

They became popular in 2021 when people looked for a chance to escape from being cooped up at home owing to lockdowns.

The binge watches on TV screens had outlived their plots.

Virtual calls with friends and family had people longing for real conversations and parties without masks.

Any let up in the caseloads had people flouting norms as if it was life as usual.

Except that it wasn't.

Quantas was the first to try it. Their 7-hour sightseeing flight sold out in 10 minutes after it was announced.

Giving them a chance to get the planes back up in the air again.

However, work that does not require passengers in the planes continues.

Like re-designing airplane interiors for the future.

And some fancy ideas have been submitted for consideration.

One of them changes the seats in the middle of the aircraft to office workspace style seating.

Looks a little strange though and may not exactly be good to lean back and catch a nap.

The other interesting idea was swivel seats right across the interior.

This is one design adapted from first class that may actually 'fly'

Right now, it's all a fantasy.

And the solution required is not seating but managing security and passenger squeeze at overcrowded airports across the world.

What's your take on 'Baksheesh'?

In Persian it stands for charity, veneration and blessings.

Which captures the shades of giving.

There's a seasonality to it in India where it's woven into the culture.

At festival time, everyone who provides a daily service, from the milkman to the newspaper guy to the chap who does the ironing, they all land up, scratch the back of their heads, grin and look down while mentioning the festival - whether its Diwali or Pongal, or Dussera.

And it is given in varying degrees of generosity. Some of them have the ability to make you feel guilty with just one look, if you haven't met expectations

It's not as if there is a rate card and people know what is to be paid. In Hindi, the line is - Jo bhi aap theek samjhe (Whatever you think is right).

It sustains them and their families - giving them that little extra to celebrate the festival.

It's an informal 'bonus' system that has stood the test of time - built with contributions from everyone involved, so social good is achieved.

Beyond transactions to a bond for services that fill a daily need.

And the realization that giving and taking are intertwined.

Every week, I'll plant a few ideas in your mind on branding, behavior and markets. Triggers for your thoughts. Spread the word to your friends. All you have to do is click the link and enter an email address.

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