Great American Inventors I Would Recognize at the State of the Union Address If I Were President...


First, a delightfully cynical article from Slate magazine about how Julie Aigner-Clark's Baby Einstein videos have done nothing to help America (save exploiting parents' anxiety for profit) and the confusion over why she was recognized at the State of the Union address alongside other American heroes. Though I guess it's sadly true that people who convince us to buy things that will add nothing of value to our lives do embody the American Spirit.

Now, a modest list of inventors I would like to see recognized at future addresses:

John Abdo (is this really his real name?), Inventor of The Ab-Doer

Fitness Specialists agree that ab-doing (demonstrated above) is the best workout for your mid-section. It must be noted, however, that Ab-doing is not recognized by the Scrabble Board as an acceptable word in competitive play.

Inventor of the 43-Piece U.S. Presidential Knife Set
If anyone knows who invented this, please let them know I'd like to schedule them.

George Bluth, Inventor of the Corn-Baller

Unfortunately, not legal in the United States


And finally, my father, inventor of The Pun

Film: Pedal

The free film at the Bean Cycle (a favorite local coffee/book shop of ours) this month was Pedal, a documentary chronicling the lives of bike messengers in New York City. The cinematography is pretty cool, especially as most of the interviews are filmed while the messengers are riding, with the camera person following them on a skateboard. The film balances camera shots of thrills and spills with a deeper look into the subculture of bike courriers. Many of those interviewed are strikingly similar in their personalities and excentricities. They describe themselves as outlaws, despised by taxi drivers, police, and people on the street. And they all in one way or another describe the comraderie amongst themselves as a bond closer than family.

Obligatory First Post

I've finally succumbed. Although, I suppose my timing is only appropriate. After all, I was years late getting a DVD player, years late getting an ipod. All technologies considered, I'm almost ahead of schedule.