Stupidest invention of all time?
 

Going along the same thread as Oberon, what do you think is THE STUPIDEST invention ever? Something so pointless or annoying, you'd like to go back in time and kill the creator with their own device before they ever had a chance to think of it?

I'd have to go with the necktie. "Hmm... lets tie a colorful strip of cloth around our necks in such a way that they cut off circulation and say it looks good. Then, lets make it required for special occasions, work, performances, etc." Thank you, no. I dont' have a problem with button down shirts, I just can't stand the damn ties. They serve no purpose whatsoever!

Simple: religion. :)

The merkin? I'd say pubic wigs are a pretty stupid idea.

Holloween costumes for dogs.

The diamond lane. Nuclear bombs are a close second, however.

I can't think of one... Most everything is a really good idea. Well, at least it was at some point.

Yield signs..You either stop or you go.

Hairpieces

Anything promoted as helping you lose weight without exercising and eating right.

That should cover half of all infomercials.

The condom. An amazing invention in that much of its intended audience would rather not use it.

I'm a total hypocrite, but I'll say television. It promotes lethargy. There are so many more ways to entertain yourself than sitting in front of a tv all day. It's not called the idiot box for nothing you know!

The automobile brake light. It takes a lot of the suspense, tension, and excitement out of driving.

A man in Connecticut invented a non-tradtional alarm clock. Instead of making an obnoxious sound, the alarm circuit would activate a servo that would swing a rubber ball on a stick until it struck a person and woke them up. This, of course, was for people who didn't like the sound of an alarm clock, but presumably did not have a problem with being whacked with a racquetball on a stick.

I'll be the warning label would have read "Warning, place clock near the feet to avoid being struck in the head or groin. Ha ha, can't sue us now."

There was also a student at MIT who invented an internet-ready toaster. It would plug into your LAN, and if a button were pressed before putting in toast, it would connect to weather.com, retreive the symbol for the day's weather (sunny, partly cloudy, rain, etc.) and burn it into a piece of toast. I don't know if it's stupid, but it's pointless.

Any kind of device specifically designed for crushing garlic - Give up, they don't work, just use a knife.

http://www.patent.freeserve.co.uk/patdwgs/US6325727.gif

maybe that, although i dont know what it is:rolleyes:

is that a "fly"- swatter?

Damn spork! I mean make up your minds folks! Are you eating soup or steak!

Child proof lighters. The Bic lighters were god awful, but nowhere near as impossible as the cheap orange and greeen lighters - you know the ones with the clear plastic casing. Oooooh, boling over with anger just thinking about it...

Big televisions, washing machines, cars, compact disc players, and electrical tin openers, low cholesterol, and dental insurance, fixed interest mortgage repayments, starter homes, leisure wear and matching luggage, three piece suits on hire purchase in a range of fabrics, sitting on couches watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, junk food, miserable homes with nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish brats that people have spawned to replace themselves.

Renton!

I've said it before and I'll say it again... PANTS...

Almost anything the Japanese come up with.

http://www.methodshop.com/fun/Bad-Inventions/cold.jpg

<b><font color=FFFF00 size=+1 face="comic sans ms">MS Windows</font></b>

Deer whistles you put on cars
Chia pets
Sonic pest control devices
Pink flamingo yard ornaments

00

I think it served a purpose for awhile, not anymore though.

I'd have to go with the dmca, although i dont know if that can really be called an invention.

I kinda agree with Ties. why the hell do we wear them? geez!

(has to wear one all the time and hates it)

This thing:

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