Let’s face it: sometimes it is hard to get out of bed in the morning. Some of us simply aren’t morning people. There are days when it’s going to take a little […]
An Alarm Clock That Guarantees a Rude Awakening
Why Hanson Gregory is Remembered for Inventing Nothing
When you get to the end of your days, the last thing you want to hear is the solemn proclamation that you were responsible for nothing. You would likely defend yourself against […]
The Courageous Inventor Who Fought Fire and Prejudice
The man was clearly a fraud. He claimed to be the inventor of a revolutionary device that would save countless lives, but it was all a lie. His closest associate was a […]
How a King Who Lost His Edge Gained Fame By Encouraging Waste
The King had lost his edge. There was no sense denying it. The loss of his edge cut deeply, and it was obvious to anyone who knew him. He started off with […]
Be Prepared for Something of Great Interest to Follow
It was a cold night in the Atlantic Ocean. The crew ship that was operated by the United Fruit Company thought it was going to be an ordinary evening. Then the radio […]
Learn the Benjamin Franklin Method For Success
Few people have been more successful or better remembered than Benjamin Franklin. During his long life, he made an impact on almost every area of human endeavor. Political science, literature, technology, diplomacy, […]
The Man Who Invented the Pringles Can Left This Life In One
An article from The Hob-bee Hive from 2010 lists ten clever uses for Pringles cans. Among the suggestions are using them to store yarn, turning them into coin banks, making them into […]
What Could Go Wrong With Putting Wings on a Ford Pinto?
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 