We hardly ever stop to think about it, but someone invented the paper clip. There was a time in the dim past when such an item as a paper clip had never been dreamed of, let alone seen. There are no Paleolithic paper clips, but even if there were, the principle would be unimpaired: somebody invented it.

Our lives are cluttered with tools, gadgets, and manmade objects - all of them designed by someone, invented by someone, refined by someone else:

pincushions, pencil sharpeners, thumbtacks, stockings, barbecue lighters - BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! - potato peelers, electric ignition, aluminum foil, folding umbrellas, zippers.

The list is endless. What are your nominations for the greatest overlooked inventions? The prize for the best? Easy. The oohs and aaahs of thrilling recognition by the other forumites!

-- Little Nipper (canis@minor.net), December 14, 2001

Answers

Post it's!

Did ya ever see "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion"? heehee

-- (cin@cin.cin), December 14, 2001.

velcro

-- (lars@indy.net), December 14, 2001.

"velcro"

I incline more to shoelaces, Lars. Of course, the holes for them would have to be invented first. I just can't recall what the heck 'shoelace holes' are called.

-- Little Nipper (canis@minor.net), December 14, 2001.

eyelets?

-- (cin@cin.cin), December 15, 2001.

Thanks, cin. "Eyelets" sounds about right.

But, what really impresses me? Book matches! They cost a pittance. They make fire - the thing that lifted us above the beasts. And they can open you the way to fame and fortune through the Famous Artists School ("Draw Me!").

-- Little Nipper (canis@minor.net), December 15, 2001.

Canned food... (mmmmm...)

Can openers... (oh yeah, feed the doggie...)

Dog beds with cedar chips in them.

Milk Bones!!!!

(snicker)

Thinkin' with my stomach... (as usual...)

The Dog

-- The Dog (dogdesert@hotmail.com), December 15, 2001.

Chocolate syrup, chocolate candy bars, chocolate covered cherries, chocolate morsels for baking, chocolate kisses......

-- Pammy (mmmmm@mmmmmmm.mmmmm), December 15, 2001.