As much as we enjoy the comforts provided by the 21st century, our biggest disappointment is the lack of flying cars. Every traffic jam brings daydreams of being able to push the […]
What Could Go Wrong With Putting Wings on a Ford Pinto?
The Hated Inventor and the Dreaded Thing He Created
Adolphe must have been the most unfortunate boy ever. He was certainly the most accident-prone. His mother concluded that he was “condemned to misfortune” and concluded that “he won’t live.” It seemed […]
Nikola Tesla and the Pigeon of Doom
Nikola Tesla is one of the most intriguing and enigmatic characters of the modern age. His genius and eccentricity have sparked countless discussions concerning his contributions to science and his wasted opportunities. […]
The Story of the Popsicle and its 11-Year-Old Inventor
What invokes happy memories of summer better than the popsicle? The cool, refreshing delight of a juicy frozen treat on a hot day can seem like manna from heaven. The next time […]
Fire Destroys Fire Hydrant Patent
As far as we know, Frederick Graff, Sr., Chief Engineer of the Philadelphia Water Works, was the inventor of the fire hydrant. We think he received a patent for his ground-breaking invention […]
Edison’s Lesson of the Unwanted Invention
For any inventor, receiving his or her first patent is a momentous occasion. It is proof from the highest levels of government that someone recognizes the value of the distinct innovation born […]
The Man Who Invented the Pringles Can Left This Life In One
It is a good sign when a man is proud of his work. That was certainly the case with Fredric J. Baur, the inventor of the Pringles can. In fact, he was […]
Much More Than Just Another Pretty Face
Hedy Lamarr (November 9, 1914 – January 19, 2000) was once billed as the World’s Most Beautiful Woman. The Austrian-born actress landed a contract with MGM in 1937 and achieved stardom with her […]
The Greatest Things Since Sliced Bread
The next time you use the phrase “the best thing since sliced bread,” you might want to consider how recent of an invention that is. The first commercially-available device that made it […]
The Entertainer Who Put a Lot of Heart Into His Work
Paul Winchell and Tigger Paul Winchell (1922-2005) may be best known as the voice of Tigger in Winnie the Pooh, Gargamel in The Smurfs, the characters in Green Eggs and Ham and […]
They Always Said His Inventions Would be the Death of Him
Thomas Midgley, Jr. held over one hundred patents for his mechanical engineering and chemistry advancements. Certainly not winning any prizes from environmentalists, it was Midgley who developed the lead-based additive for gasoline, […]
Like Your TV? Thank Philo T. Farnsworth
One of the least-recognized yet most-influential inventors of the 20th century is unquestionably Philo T. Farnsworth. Born in Beaver, Utah on August 19, 1906, Farnsworth was a talented scientist from a young […]
Who Was the Only President to Obtain a Patent?
Abraham Lincoln holds the distinction of being the only US President to have obtained a patent.
I’ll Have a Large Pepperoni With Extra Joysticks
Nolan Bushnell, creator of the Atari Video Game System, is also the founder of the Chuck E. Cheese restaurant chain.
Commonplace Fun Facts 