# Things that should be invented, could be invented, but haven't been invented **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 1, 2001, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740 "2001-02-01T17:49:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RoboDude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bbe5ce/32.png) [@RoboDude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RoboDude)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2001, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/1 "2001-02-01T17:49:46Z")
I’d love to have a donut making machine like thay use at Krispy Kreme, scaled down to fit in the kitchen. What would you like to see invented that could be made with current technology? ---
**Author:** ![Snark\_Hunter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Snark\_Hunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snark_Hunter)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2001, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/2 "2001-02-01T22:19:42Z")
I’ve mentioned this before, but what the heck, maybe someone will see this and make the darn things. I used to play in my grade-school orchestra (violin), and the thing that used to bug me the most about performing was, you had to keep turning the pages, which meant lowering the violin, holding onto the bow and instrument with one hand, and turn the stupid page every 30 seconds or so. What I would like to see invented is an automatic page-turner, or at least an ebook of music that you can press a button with your foot and the page will automatically go on to the next one. This would eliminate a lot of problems for performers. I hope someone who reads this will invent the thing. It’s possible with current technology. It just hasn’t been invented yet. ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2001, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/3 "2001-02-01T22:24:44Z")
A VCR you can set by phone. Must be possible, never been done. Harpoons designed so that whales can operate them. See how Jap and Norwegian trawler crews like a taste of their own medicine. An official databank where anyone can upload info about their ex-Significant Others. Anyone you’re thinking of dating, you can go to the databank first and look 'em up. Klu Klux Klan robes that sterilise the wearer. A stable version of the Windows OS. Smart bombs that leave people and buildings okay, but vapourise politicians A driving test thorough enough to weed out the maniacs, psychos and muppet heads. There is plenty of evidence that what we’ve got now isn’t a good enough filter. 3D TV and personal jet packs. C’mon, it’s 2001 already. Dental anaesthetic that REALLY works. As in “Pain? What pain?”. Moderately intelligent traffic lights that can realise there’s nothing to be on red for. A simple DIY larynx removal kit for rather hearty men who have just successfully laid their own garden patio and are rather proud of it Anti-gravity strips for luggage (okay, that’s a bit unrealistic) A ‘Star Trek’ style universal translator that enables Earth men and Earth women to communicate (ditto) Airline food that tastes of food Cat food that doesn’t stink to high heaven One knife that will be equally good for slicing bread and spreading butter on the slices. I’m really fed up with the two knives toutine. A Totally Indelible Tattoo And Pure Pain machine for use on rapists. In public. On TV. A judicial system at least smart enough to deliver the right verdict on OJ Simpson A small red button on the phone. If you are trying to get some sense into a company that owes you a refund, and all you get is an automated answering system offering endless labyrinthes of ‘please select one of the following 27 options…’, you press the red button and their phone exchange blows up. A handy aerosol Phil Collins repellant spray, for use on all microphones. English translations for tax forms The _final_ audio format, so we can stop buying the same albums over and over. Higher-dosage cigarettes that deliver the cancer in weeks, not years. Let’s get these inconsiderate, selfish, dumb, smelly people out of the gene pool fast. ---
**Author:** ![sk8rixtx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/858c86/32.png) [@sk8rixtx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sk8rixtx)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2001, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/4 "2001-02-01T22:37:04Z")
Pre-toasted toast. Auto-shade in the sun, implanted contact lenses. Rubber cars. Super glue. (REAL super glue.) ---
**Author:** ![Agrippina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8797f3/32.png) [@Agrippina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agrippina)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2001, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/5 "2001-02-01T22:37:47Z")
When I was in 5th, 6th, and 7th grade I used to ride my bike to the the local fast food place (this was Las Vegas at the time and I used to go to “In-N-Out”) then I would ride home rather awkwardly with the sack of food in my basket and one hand holding a medium soda. I always wanted a “Bicycle Cup Holder” that stuck on the handle bars of the bike. Of course now that I have a car and live in a place where riding your bike can give you a heart attack due to long distances and huge hills, it’s a moot point. Hell, I don’t even know if one exists but if they don’t, I would like one just for nostalgia. From, Anake (changed user name) ---
**Author:** ![OneChance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/74df32/32.png) [@OneChance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneChance)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2001, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/6 "2001-02-01T22:55:49Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Snark Hunter \* > **What I would like to see invented is an automatic page-turner.** Check this out: [http://www.medmarket.com/leadpage.cfm?uuid=771D1E95-3804-11D4-ABEF00A0CC565C19](http://www.medmarket.com/leadpage.cfm?uuid=771D1E95-3804-11D4-ABEF00A0CC565C19) ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2001, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/7 "2001-02-01T23:15:12Z")
Chip-proof nail polish. ---
**Author:** ![Snark\_Hunter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Snark\_Hunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snark_Hunter)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2001, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/8 "2001-02-01T23:17:34Z")
Whoo-hoo! ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2001, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/9 "2001-02-01T23:25:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by sk8rixtx \* > **Pre-toasted toast.** Already available. Over here in Brit-land it’s called ‘French toast’ or ‘Melba toast’, and pre-toasted toast is exactly what it is. One more for the road: Leak-proof headphones for Walkman-wearers in public places. ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2001, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/10 "2001-02-01T23:28:06Z")
A device to help you apply lotion to your back. This would be a boon to single people everywhere and it must be possible. ---
**Author:** ![Nancyfish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/d78d45/32.png) [@Nancyfish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nancyfish)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2001, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/11 "2001-02-01T23:50:53Z")
We live in an age where plants and animals are being modified at an astonishing rate. With that in mind, why hasn’t someone developed a strain of lawn grass that only grows an inch tall?? Could this be a suppression conspiracy perpetrated by the lawn-mower industry?? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2001, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/12 "2001-02-02T02:46:55Z")
Tatoo ink that can be turned invisible by the application of a cream when you get tired of it. Tatoo ink composed of liquid crystals that can be turned off and on. Be very convenient for formal occasions and when visiting the parents 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2001, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/13 "2001-02-02T04:12:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by neptune\_1984 \* > \*\*From, > > Anake (changed user name) \*\* Didn’t you have more than three posts as Anake? You do know you can only have one open account, right? I’m sure one of the mod/admins would be happy to change your name for you, if you email 'em. Sorry for the mini-hijack. ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2001, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/14 "2001-02-02T07:09:35Z")
> [@](#): > > One knife that will be equally good for slicing bread and spreading butter on the slices. I’m really fed up with the two knives routine. [This](http://www.cutco.com/main/spatula1.html) works great. I’ve had one for 15 years, and it’s still razor sharp. It’s got a special kind of edge, not cerrated, and can cut paper thin slices of tomato. ---
**Author:** ![OxyMoron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9a140/32.png) [@OxyMoron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OxyMoron)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2001, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/15 "2001-02-02T17:04:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ianzin \* > A VCR you can set by phone. Must be possible, never been done. You can kinda get the same effect with Tivo, can’t you? (Not that I have one.) > [@](#): > > Harpoons designed so that whales can operate them. See how Jap and Norwegian trawler crews like a taste of their own medicine. I’d go for a more general category: Projectile Weapons Not Requiring Opposable Thumbs, to level the field for deer, 'possum, wildebeest, etc. Of course, we’ve already developed PWNROTs - they’re called ICBMs. […] > [@](#): > > Klu Klux Klan robes that sterilise the wearer. YES! And a radioactive bible cover for anyone who always carries it in front of the crotch (a habit among the thumping kind). > [@](#): > > A stable version of the Windows OS. You jest. […] > [@](#): > > Dental anaesthetic that REALLY works. As in “Pain? What pain?”. Double yes! And how about “Dental anaesthetic that doesn’t require pain in delivering it?” Injections are Evil, Bad and Wrong. > [@](#): > > Moderately intelligent traffic lights that can realise there’s nothing to be on red for. Actually, this is already done in some places - I remember seeing it in Orange County, CA (but don’t ask me where, everything there looks the same). […] > [@](#): > > Cat food that doesn’t stink to high heaven Ever heard of Tender Vittles? […] > [@](#): > > A small red button on the phone. If you are trying to get some sense into a company that owes you a refund, and all you get is an automated answering system offering endless labyrinthes of ‘please select one of the following 27 options…’, you press the red button and their phone exchange blows up. Not enough. You’ve got to blow up the people who designed the damn thing, and everyone involved in the decision to buy it. > [@](#): > > A handy aerosol Phil Collins repellant spray, for use on all microphones. Howzabout a wave device set to neutralize any sound emitted from Whitney Houston? > [@](#): > > English translations for tax forms Everyone always bitches about how complicated tax forms are. Ya want yer homeowner’s deduction? Yer unreimbursed expenses deduction? Well, that means complication, folks, because we’re not gonna let you just deduct your whole life. That means there’re gonna be rules, and they’re going to be nasty, and, well, if it’s not worth it to you just don’t itemize, and pay an extra coupla grand. Like everything else, you get what you pay for. Deal with it. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2001, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/16 "2001-02-02T18:29:13Z")
A car heater that warms me up BEFORE the car! ---
**Author:** ![Winnowill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/4491bb/32.png) [@Winnowill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winnowill)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2001, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/17 "2001-02-02T18:58:18Z")
Some sort of machine that makes meatballs. You put in your meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and what have you. The machine mixes it uniformly (no gobs of breadcrumbs at the bottom!) and rolls it into meatballs for you. High beams for your **tail** lights, so that you can flash the idiot behind you who’s driving with his brights on. Two items I’ve wished for for many, many years. ---
**Author:** ![lolagranola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ea5d25/32.png) [@lolagranola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lolagranola)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2001, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/18 "2001-02-02T19:10:15Z")
I have another tattoo one. I want a 5 year tattoo, since that’s all the commitment I can give one. It would just gradually fade away after a few years. **elbows** , I can’t quite promise you what you want, but you could try an automatic car starter. Start it from inside the house, and the car is plenty warm before you even step outside. ---
**Author:** ![quasar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/48db29/32.png) [@quasar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/quasar)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2001, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/19 "2001-02-03T02:55:06Z")
A neuro-interactive gadget that hijacts into your brain and transforms your thoughts into actual posts! Would make posting far easier and more efficient, specially for typing-impaired dudes like me. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Duke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e8c25b/32.png) [@Duke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2001, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740/20 "2001-02-03T06:35:18Z")
An alarm clock that, when you turn off the alarm, gives you a mild electric shock. That way, you have no desire to fall back asleep. (Guess who’s been having trouble lately in this regard.) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-should-be-invented-could-be-invented-but-havent-been-invented/52740.md?page=2)