The Clever Few

I’m in awe of people who invent things to make life easier/better. You know, those think-outside-the-box kinda people. Sure, there are times I say, “wouldn’t it be cool if there was something that could (fill in the blank),” but it’s invariably followed by, “they already make that.” I suppose this should tell me that I’m rather out of the loop at times, but, more than that, it tells me that there are some very clever people in this world. People far more clever and creative than me…

There’s the guy/gal who came up with the diaper genie concept (a godsend when I had my girls fifteen and eleven years ago, though, I imagine there’s something even more high speed for new parents these days).

There’s the guy/gal who came up with those wheels that actually allow you to roll your suitcase side to side (and, thus, presenting less of a tripping hazard to your fellow travelers).

There’s the guy/gal who came up with the idea of a single pen that can be red, green, black, or blue with no more than a click of your finger.

There’s the guy/gal who…well, you get what I mean. There’s some really cool stuff out there–some useful, some utterly bizarre (like the Snuggie, which, in reality, is nothing different than wearing a bathrobe backwards)–but all invented by someone with an idea. And the determination to turn it into reality.

So tell me, what’s your favorite (relatively recent) invention and why?  And, while you’re at it, how about one you find more than a little odd.

~Elizabeth

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