Post-It Notes Post-It Notes, in case you didn't know, are wonderful sticky-backed note pads that you write on and then stick on to things. They come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles. I currently have 23 various post-it pads on my desk, with god knows how many more scattered around the house. I use them for just about everything and have notes stuck in my day planner, on my monitor, and on the edges of the shelves of my desk. And that's just the ones I can see. I use them for everything from inspiration notes to reminders to jotting down telephone numbers, even grocery lists. There are two things I need to get through my day: my day planner and post-it notes. I even include them in my email signature: "if I had a real brain I wouldn't need a ton of post-it notes!" And for me that's a very real saying! Post-It History A man named Spencer Silver was working in the 3M research laboratories in 1970 trying to find a strong adhesive. Silver developed a new adhesive, but it was even weaker than what 3M already manufactured. It stuck to objects, but could easily be lifted off. It was super weak instead of super strong. No one knew what to do with the stuff, but Silver didn't discard it. Then one Sunday four years later, another 3M scientist named Arthur Fry was singing in the church's choir. He used markers to keep his place in the hymnal, but they kept falling out of the book. Remembering Silver's adhesive, Fry used some to coat his markers. Success! With the weak adhesive, the markers stayed in place, yet lifted off without damaging the pages. 3M began distributing Post-it Notes nationwide in 1980 -- ten years after Silver developed the super weak adhesive. Today they are one of the most popular office products available. From: The Great Idea Finder Also check out: Post-It Notes - Art Fry and Spencer Silver