Worst Invention Ever

[ph03n1x]

In your opinion, what do you think is/are the worst thing(s) ever created? It can be a thing or a group or something. For me it's CAPTCHA and the RIAA. Captcha is just so annoying, seriously, just for Ticketmaster I have to type some random crap for every request I do. And don't even get me started on the RIAA. I'll just keep it at, they limit freedom.

[PowerFullMac]

Microsoft.

EDIT: To expand on that, specifically Windows Vista.

[calculus]

The Motor Car

[Apple Ink]

Everythings an experience:D.... I guess:p

[arkitect]

Personally, I'd vote for "mass tourism" as the worst ever.

But truth be told there are far worse.

[iBlue]

Microsoft.

:rolleyes:




Velco, it makes an ugly sound.

[ergdegdeg]

Hawaii Chair (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9_amg-Aos4&feature=related) :p

[arkitect]

Velco, it makes an ugly sound.

The sound does set my teeth on edge… but it has its uses. ;)

Hawaii Chair (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9_amg-Aos4&feature=related) :p
Speechless.
So now you don't even have to get off of your fat butt to "exercise".

[PowerFullMac]

The Motor Car

You should post that in the best invention thread, motor cars FTW! :cool:

[benmrii]

The sound does set my teeth on edge… but it has its uses. ;)

I just wish I could still wear velcro shoes.

[PowerFullMac]

Velco, it makes an ugly sound.

But I like that sound!

[calculus]

I just wish I could still wear velcro shoes.

But you would just get loads of stuff stuck to them!

[Tilpots]

Parking Meters.

[2nyRiggz]

DVD rewinder.....I mean who actually got one of those...wait a local video store has one. I'll bet they got there money worth.

The little broom and dust pan use for sweeping up small dirt in the car....its useless the dirt always seem to bounce over the dust pan and into your eye:o


Bless

[cleanup]

The personal computer. Computers aren't all bad. For commercial and industrial and special-interest purposes they have benefited our lives greatly. But personal computers have just made our personal lives more fast-paced, technology-dependent and most of all, unhealthy.

[juanster]

lol hawai chair.............lol:)

[Silver-Fox]

that seems pretty good :P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VR4hqsVnFys

[Abstract]

That is too hilarious. :p


Velco, it makes an ugly sound.

Agreed. I try to avoid velcro now. There's nothing better than being at a meeting or something, and you hear a horrible velcro sound. I'm never going to buy a bag of any sort with velcro, regardless of how nice it looks otherwise.

[tyranna]

the toupée.



oh, and pantyhose. ;)

[BoyBach]

What I want to post would get this thread moved to the PRSI forum, so I'll just nominate "lawyers" instead. :p

[Much Ado]

The Spork (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spork) ;)

[Consultant]

Microsoft.

EDIT: To expand on that, specifically Windows Vista.

Well, since Vista is a poorly made copycat known to some as Windows ME (Mistake Edition) version 2, it's not quite an "invention". =p

Vista has been declared by a prominent publication as one of the top ten WORST consumer products of all time, however.

I do have to agree that Microsoft is the worst invention. Their motto should be: Holding technology back with bugs and poor usability, or Yesterday's technology, promised to be delivered poorly a few years from tomorrow.

[soberbrain]

The Spork (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spork) ;)

But what if it's made out of Titanium (http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/8ace/)!?

[benmrii]

The Spork (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spork) ;)

Oops, wrong thread. I think you were looking for the "Best Invention" thread.

[GSMiller]

DRM, Blu-ray Disc, the mini van

[roland.g]

Tighty Whities

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/9043/401034439788b4eb9f7af2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Mousse]

The Segway.:eek:

It's a cool device and all, but utterly pointless. Walking accomplishes the same thing; and it's cheaper, healthier and better for the environment.

[PowerFullMac]

DRM, Blu-ray Disc, the mini van

I agree with you on DRM, but Blu-ray FTW!

[Virgil-TB2]

In your opinion, what do you think is/are the worst thing(s) ever created? ....

"Leaf blowers ... is there anything more futile?" ;)
William Shatner

Seriously though, some day the Smithsonian will have an exhibit about how wasteful, dirty and foolish people were in the 20th century and in a glass case with a spotlight illuminating it will be a petrol-powered leaf blower.

The assembled group will titter at some bon mot from the tour guide as to how anyone could ever have thought this thing to be a good idea before they move on to the stuffed polar bear exhibit.

The leaf blower is iconic in that it's sole raison d'etre is laziness, it's use is an exercise in futility & waste, and it's power is derived from burning fossil fuels which were in short supply even before the thing was invented. The leaf blower is an immoral product that prospers because of our own laziness, selfishness, and indifference and for that, I nominate it as "worst product ever."

.

[Tilpots]

"Leaf blowers ... is there anything more futile?" ;)
William Shatner

Seriously though, some day the Smithsonian will have an exhibit about how wasteful, dirty and foolish people were in the 20th century and in a glass case with a spotlight illuminating it will be a petrol-powered leaf blower.

The assembled group will titter at some bon mot from the tour guide as to how anyone could ever have thought this thing to be a good idea before they move on to the stuffed polar bear exhibit.

The leaf blower is iconic in that it's sole raison d'etre is laziness, it's use is an exercise in futility & waste, and it's power is derived from burning fossil fuels which were in short supply even before the thing was invented. The leaf blower is an immoral product that prospers because of our own laziness, selfishness, and indifference and for that, I nominate it as "worst product ever."

.

Guess you don't live near any trees.:rolleyes:

[creator2456]

The Spork (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spork) ;)

I will one up you and give the people the Spife (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spife). :D

[Virgil-TB2]

Guess you don't live near any trees.:rolleyes:Got sixteen on my property alone actually. ;)

[soberbrain]

I will one up you and give the people the Spife (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spife). :D

I prefer the Knork (http://www.knork.net/)

Just think of when you tried to cut something with a fork and it just flew off your plate!

[UMHurricanes34]

Marta.

[Much Ado]

I will one up you and give the people the Spife (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spife). :D
I prefer the Knork (http://www.knork.net/)

I concede ;)

[wordmunger]

I wrote a blog post about this a while back. It's the Ab Lounge (http://scienceblogs.com/cognitivedaily/2006/05/the_worst_invention_of_the_pas.php)!

http://scienceblogs.com/cognitivedaily/upload/2006/05/ablounge.jpg

[atszyman]

I prefer the Knork (http://www.knork.net/)

Just think of when you tried to cut something with a fork and it just flew off your plate!

I'm too busy thinking about slicing the sides of your cheeks and lips every time you use it to eat...

[squeeks]

http://www.geek.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/mobileme.jpg

seriously, what was wrong with .mac?

[~Shard~]

A solar-powered flashlight or a submarine with screen doors. :cool:

[benmrii]

A solar-powered flashlight or a submarine with screen doors. :cool:

They actually have those... the first one (http://www.bogolight.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BoGoGeneral) I mean.

[gonyr]

The luge. What's up with a "sport" where the object is to remain as still as possible? And one of the dominating competitors is nicknamed "The Dead Body"

[soberbrain]

I'm too busy thinking about slicing the sides of your cheeks and lips every time you use it to eat...

It's not sharp, just beveled so it focuses pressure in a thinner area to cut, but does not slice.

[Tilpots]

Got sixteen on my property alone actually. ;)

Did you post "rake" in the Best Invention forum?:p

[creator2456]

I'm too busy thinking about slicing the sides of your cheeks and lips every time you use it to eat...

I guess we know how the Joker got his scars now...

[satty]

Nuclear weapons.

[velocityg4]

The party system in government. I know in other countries there are more than two real parties. In the US you only really just have the two now.

How many politicians would never have made it into office if they did not have the hard lined two party system holding them up? Just think voters would have to research before voting and politicians would have to actually win by character, deeds, beliefs and accomplishments rather than just getting votes tossed their way due to the party they belong to. We also probably would not have so many lawyers in politics which would definitely be a good thing:D.

[Silver-Fox]

Not only the Flex-o-Ladder, but call centre's....

[techlover828]

jarts (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawn_dart)

[atszyman]

Not only the Flex-o-Ladder, but call centre's....

You reminded me of my least favorite invention:

Voice recognition automated tech support. When did pushing numbers on the phone become so difficult that we now have to tell a machine that can't understand us that we need to talk to an operator?

[Silver-Fox]

You reminded me of my least favorite invention:

Voice recognition automated tech support. When did pushing numbers on the phone become so difficult that we now have to tell a machine that can't understand us that we need to talk to an operator?

Yep totally forgot about that, especially London parking one

[iJohnHenry]

Nuclear weapons.

You could also say gunpower, or cordite. It's the user.

Ready for mine??

Commercial air travel.

Didn't expect that did you? :p

Every flight a potential hypodermic full of nasty stuff.

At least with sea travel, the sick usually died off and and were buried at sea. (Let's not talk about smallpox, and what it did to the Native Americans).

[rdowns]

MySpace
Facebook
Twitter
etc.

Nobody gives a sh**.

[~Shard~]

MySpace
Facebook
Twitter
etc.

Nobody gives a sh**.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Glad I'm not alone in that opinion. :cool:

[iJohnHenry]

Agreed, but every kid these days wants their 15 seconds of fame.

Earned or not, they demand it.

[Galley]

Urban Sprawl (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_sprawl) :mad:

[calculus]

MySpace
Facebook
Twitter
etc.

Nobody gives a sh**.



"rdowns is not giving a sh**"

[Gray-Wolf]

Said it before, and I'll say it again. Cell phones the worse thing ever invented. It's been involved in vehicular deaths. and ruining lives.

[leekohler]

Said it before, and I'll say it again. Cell phones the worse thing ever invented. It's been involved in vehicular deaths. and ruining lives.

Seconded. Cell phones are the worst invention ever. Life would be much more bearable without them and people would be forced to slow down. I hate the things, and hopefully will never have to own one as long as I live. They are so unbelievably obnoxious, it's beyond my ability to express.

[iJohnHenry]

Said it before, and I'll say it again. Cell phones the worse thing ever invented. It's been involved in vehicular deaths. and ruining lives.

Miss-use of cell phones I think you meant to say.

Cell phones, like guns, nuclear weapons, etc, are but tools.

It's up to us to control how they are used.

[dukebound85]

Said it before, and I'll say it again. Cell phones the worse thing ever invented. It's been involved in vehicular deaths. and ruining lives.

i agree. i hate cell phones and thats part of the reason why i dont have one anymore.

being a motorcycle rider and seeing retards on their cell phones while driving makes me cringe. people who drive while on cell phones should get dui like punishments

i wonder if there is a madwt (mothers against driving while talking)

i really respect companies who have as their policy you MUST pull over and STOP if you need to talk on a cell phone

Miss-use of cell phones I think you meant to say.

Cell phones, like guns, nuclear weapons, etc, are but tools.

It's up to us to control how they are used.

like guns, they should be regulated somewhat

maybe have cell phones with a gps device and will not be able to function outside of emergency calls if vehicles are moving over 5mph or so (to account fo those that walk around lol)

[Digital Skunk]

seriously, what was wrong with .mac?

Everything! Syncing, iDisk, and the web access all SUCKED!

(Let's not talk about smallpox, and what it did to the Native Americans).

Or the slave trade and what it did to West African countries.

MySpace
Facebook
Twitter
etc.

Nobody gives a sh**.

Yes, so much so, but not the worst by far.

The worst inventions ever:

9. fast food
8. short hand typing (brb, lol, roflmao, afaict...)
7. AT&T
6. Malls
5. Retail store employee scheduling (WTF! why can't it just be the same every week?)
4. WoW
3. MTV
2. BET
1. Hollywood movie stars that think they deserve all of our money to see their bull$h!t movie then expect us to leave them alone when they are out spending their money.... ****** that paparazzi the $h!t out of them

Sorry, I guess those are things I hate.

Worst invention ever: American Democracy.

[iJohnHenry]

like guns, they should be regulated somewhat


The local constabulary are hanging-on to the Careless Driving charge.

Sorry, but I don't buy it.

There should be a prohibition against cell phone use by the operator of a motor vehicle, whilst moving.

It is NOT the same as having a conversation with a passenger, or listening to the stereo.

It is far more inter-active.

Or the slave trade and what it did to West African countries.

OK, if you must.

But the Africans cannot wash their hands about their involvement in this nefarious activity.

[dukebound85]

The local constabulary are hanging-on to the Careless Driving charge.

Sorry, but I don't buy it.

There should be a prohibition against cell phone use by the operator of a motor vehicle, whilst moving.

It is NOT the same as having a conversation with a passenger, or listening to the stereo.

It is far more inter-active.

i agree. arent there studies that say that talking on cell phone while driving is akin to being intoxicated in terms of awareness?

i also know people who text while driving. something needs to be done

OK, if you must.

But the Africans cannot wash their hands about their involvement in this nefarious activity.

egypt comes to mind right off the bat lol

[Digital Skunk]

OK, if you must.

But the Africans cannot wash their hands about their involvement in this nefarious activity.

Not saying they should, but it was the prospect of European weapons that caused a majority of it.

Or, I could rephrase it to say, "What slave trade did to African Americans."

[iJohnHenry]

i also know people who text while driving. something needs to be done

Holy crap, does Steve Jobs know what he has rendered with his killer iPhone??

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/MouseMeat/Smilies/terical.gif

Not saying they should, but it was the prospect of European weapons that caused a majority of it.

Or, I could rephrase it to say, "What slave trade did to African Americans."

OK, let's explore that thought.

It still boils down to one "tribe" wanting to have an edge over another.

The White Man did play a part in that shift of power, but, unlike Star Trek, Humans are not subject to the Prime Directive.

Sorry if I am being frivolous, but that's the way I feel right now.

[Digital Skunk]

OK, let's explore that thought.

It still boils down to one "tribe" wanting to have an edge over another.

The White Man did play a part in that shift of power, but, unlike Star Trek, Humans are not subject to the Prime Directive.

Sorry if I am being frivolous, but that's the way I feel right now.

The main point is people were enslaved.

No one can say that the holocaust was the fault of the Jewish community in German since they stayed there instead of leaving. Not that I am trying to make a serious heart felt debate about it, but Europeans were a major cause of the slave trade and the harsh treatment of the people they enslaved.

Back on topic though, I would like to second that Facebook, MySpace comment.

[dukebound85]

Holy crap, does Steve Jobs know what he has rendered with his killer iPhone??

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/MouseMeat/Smilies/terical.gif

it really isnt a laughing matter:(

The main point is people were enslaved.

No one can say that the holocaust was the fault of the Jewish community in German since they stayed there instead of leaving. Not that I am trying to make a serious heart felt debate about it, but Europeans were a major cause of the slave trade and the harsh treatment of the people they enslaved.

i hope you realize that slavery wasnt confined to Europe at all lol

[~Shard~]

Kay, that's all well and good, but can we please keep the thread on topic? :p ;)

[iJohnHenry]

Kay, that's all well and good, but can we please keep the thread on topic? :p ;)

Yes Daddy, but hard to do, give the topic under discussion.

[Digital Skunk]

i hope you realize that slavery wasnt confined to Europe at all lol

Yes I do. It's an ageless practice that became its most brutal and ruthless with the Americas and Imperialism.

I do hope that you realize that slaves as lesser people, and not just a lesser class, didn't come about until then either.

[~Shard~]

Yes Daddy, but hard to do, give the topic under discussion.

Yes, with the topic being "Worst Invention Ever" it is of course understandable that white supremacy, slavery, the holocaust etc. would surface. :rolleyes:

:p

Just messin' with ya, carry on.... :cool:

[iJohnHenry]

white supremacy, slavery,

Just messin' with ya, carry on.... :cool:

OK, but just to recap, White supremacy had willing accomplices in the Black African community.

Just so that we are clear on this subject. ;)

[BlakTornado]

Weapons of all natures.

Sure, you can say "You need weapons to defend yourself", but if no-one had weapons in the first place, you wouldn't need weapons to defend yourself from other people's weapons.

[Cromulent]

In your opinion, what do you think is/are the worst thing(s) ever created?

Reusable condom.

[2nyRiggz]

^That might be the grossest thing ever created.

Hopefully on the package it urges you to use the same one with the same woman....never mix.


Bless

[Digital Skunk]

Weapons of all natures.

Sure, you can say "You need weapons to defend yourself", but if no-one had weapons in the first place, you wouldn't need weapons to defend yourself from other people's weapons.

What about fists and legs?

[aethelbert]

Time. Come on, God. You can do better than that.

The puck mouse comes in at a close second.

[BlakTornado]

What about fists and legs?

Then you would use your fists and legs to retaliate ;)

Really, weapons are just cheating when it comes to fair fighting ;)

[iJohnHenry]

Good over evil will always prevail, or so I'm told.

The trick is to be on the "good" side.

Then, if you got 'em, the use em'.

:D

[~Shard~]

OK, but just to recap, White supremacy had willing accomplices in the Black African community.

Just so that we are clear on this subject. ;)

Haha, very well then. ;)

[iJohnHenry]

Haha, very well then. ;)

HA, I sense some disdain for my statement??

How say you??

[~Shard~]

HA, I sense some disdain for my statement??

How say you??

None whatsoever - I am the MacRumors Bastard™ after all... ;) :cool:

[PlaceofDis]

worst invention? i don't know. depends on what scale you're talking about. but in some form i'd be daring enough to say that religion is the worst, and has had the largest impact. but that discussion belongs somewhere else so we'll just leave it at that.

[~Shard~]

worst invention? i don't know. depends on what scale you're talking about. but in some form i'd be daring enough to say that religion is the worst, and has had the largest impact. but that discussion belongs somewhere else so we'll just leave it at that.

As you say, that discussion belongs somewhere else, but nonetheless it does remind me of a favorite quote of mine:

"God doesn't discriminate... only religions do."

:cool:

[angelneo]

I would say any personal music players with speakers. (including speaker phones etc)

[taytho]

The Spork (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spork) ;)

the spork! i gotta say that would be probably one of the better inventions around.... what do you have against the spork?!?

[David G.]

the spork! i gotta say that would be probably one of the better inventions around.... what do you have against the spork?!?

Yeah, if people don't like them they can choose not to use them.

[Lord Blackadder]

The electoral college. No, maybe light beer. Or the deep fryer? The permanent news ticker on television...Nu-Metal.

I'll go with lawn darts.

[Shotgun OS]

Soulja Boy?

Um, I would have to say the nuclear warhead.

[David G.]

The Container.*

[erickkoch]

The Combover. This was actually patented!

Curling. I think this is the dumbest sport ever.

And since people are including eating utensils, there's this one.

Forkchops.

[NotFound]

100 Calorie Packs of...well... ANYTHING!


WHO CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT THEY ONLY EAT 1 PACK!?!?!
:rolleyes:

[djellison]

Curling. I think this is the dumbest sport ever.
.

Why? Why is it any worse than bowling, ten pin bowling, skittles, boules etc. Curling is as challenging and skill laden as any of those. You may not find it entertaining - but that doesn't render it 'dumb'. Not does that, in any way, render it anything like being the worst invention ever.

Doug

[Iscariot]

Why? Why is it any worse than bowling, ten pin bowling, skittles, boules etc. Curling is as challenging and skill laden as any of those. You may not find it entertaining - but that doesn't render it 'dumb'. Not does that, in any way, render it anything like being the worst invention ever.

Doug

I think I would consider most of those to be games, and not sports.

[MOFS]

MySpace
Facebook
Twitter
etc.

Nobody gives a sh**.

I think linking on from those, I'm going to go for something that similarly has changed our relationships. Ladies and gentleman, I give you...

the mobile phone.

Why? Everyone needs one. Its expected. If you don't have it, people would get confused and struggle to contact you.

Why?

Cause face to face contact is so hard.

Seriously. How did we cope before mobile phones? Um... well ... we actually popped round to someone's house and said "Hi". We met up with some people to organise a night out. We used a payphone if we can't use a landline. We wrote letters (:eek:) to each other. I dislike the idea that if you want me, I'm always "on" tied to a brick in my pocket because I'm "weird" if I don't have one – but I've always had one because its always been expected of me. I like to shut myself form the world once in a while - but if I want to meet people, face to face (or toe to toe :P) is always better and more fun.

[remmy]

American (exported) beer

Generally I have yet to taste worse

[Brianstorm91]

8. short hand typing (brb, lol, roflmao, afaict...)
[...]
5. Retail store employee scheduling (WTF! why can't it just be the same every week?)

:confused:

[it5five]

There have been quite a few posted so far, like mobile phones, social networking websites, weapons, cars, useless infomercial junk, leaf blower, and American Democracy. The only one I can think of that hasn't been posted is suburbs. Awful places.

[imac/cheese]

The lawn. Countless hours wasted turning nature into a soulless green square.

[djellison]

I think I would consider most of those to be games, and not sports.

So what? The game/sport debate is about as useful as the planet/not a planet debate ( i.e. pointless). Claiming that Curling is THE WORST INVENTION EVER is just a ridiculous thing to say.

[Digital Skunk]

"God doesn't discriminate... only religions do."

:cool:

Ooh Ooh.... worst invention ever, The Holy Roman Church and the Pope along with all the soulless bastards that worship the vatican and old stones in the desert.

:confused:

Sue me :rolleyes:

Like everyone that says cell phones doesn't have one. Or when I say American democracy it's not like I am NOT going to vote. :rolleyes:

[PowerFullMac]

when I say American democracy it's not like I am NOT going to vote. :rolleyes:

You better vote! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjWPp3aaTQ0&feature=related) :p

[erickkoch]

I think I would consider most of those to be games, and not sports.

I would agree but I think Curling is an Olympic sport. Bowling, skittles, boules, hasn't made it yet.

[velocityg4]

Weapons of all natures.

Sure, you can say "You need weapons to defend yourself", but if no-one had weapons in the first place, you wouldn't need weapons to defend yourself from other people's weapons.

Then we would also still be holed up in caves or still all on the savanna making tasty weak slow moving morsels for over sized kitties.:D

[SMM]

Rupert Murdoch and everything he has ever touched.

[obeygiant]

George Soros and everything he has ever touched. ;)

[~Shard~]

George Soros and everything he has ever touched. ;)

I don't know, a philanthropist whole broke the bank of England sounds like a pretty cool guy to me... :p ;)

[obeygiant]

I don't know, a philanthropist whole broke the bank of England sounds like a pretty cool guy to me... :p ;)

Sorry, just the "contrarian" in me. :) :D

[Thomas Veil]

We need Soros to help balance out Murdoch...not that he even comes close.

Anyway.

Semi-serious answer: reality TV.

Serious answer: formal religion and runaway capitalism (tie).

[nick9191]

I agree with you on DRM, but Blu-ray FTW!
Biggest Oxymoron in the world.

[adroit]

wrist watch.

[mkrishnan]

I'd go with the gun or maybe the longbow... while many weapons have been developed since those times, I think the significant difference today is that, with many weapons of the 20th century and beyond, neither the goal nor the net result was a large scale increase in bloodshed. Various kinds of airplanes, submarines, bombs, missiles, atomic and nuclear devices, are at least arguably successful at creating a deterrent and having a net impact of reducing casualty. But the initial transitions to distance warfare basically, as I understand it (historians correct me) basically just increased the amount of bloodshed with no eye towards peacekeeping.

I guess in terms of recent weapons, biological warfare agents -- they have little or no record of having acted as a deterrent, and now we have this huge mess in that they are easy to transport and deploy, to a much greater extent than nuclear weapons, and yet also extremely dangerous.

[maestro55]

It is actually really hard to come up with the worst invention ever, I mean there has been so much terrible engineering over the years. People creating useless things like the so called "infinity razor" to sell on late night paid programming shows to material hungry consumers. There are also the incredibly stupid inventions like the ipod fans (little fans that would hang around your neck shaped like an ipod) that we sold at Wal-Mart.

But if you were to ask me what I thought was probably the worst invention in the world I have to say was the atomic bomb. The bottom line is that the atomic bomb has created so many problems in our world. Not only the 220,000 killed when the bombs hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki but also the hundreds of thousands more who died related to injuries or radiation poisoning. The use of nuclear weapons has put countries in fear of each other and may eventually lead to a third world war and the end of humanity as we know it.

[Don't panic]

I'd go with the gun or maybe the longbow... while many weapons have been developed since those times, I think the significant difference today is that, with many weapons of the 20th century and beyond, neither the goal nor the net result was a large scale increase in bloodshed. Various kinds of airplanes, submarines, bombs, missiles, atomic and nuclear devices, are at least arguably successful at creating a deterrent and having a net impact of reducing casualty. But the initial transitions to distance warfare basically, as I understand it (historians correct me) basically just increased the amount of bloodshed with no eye towards peacekeeping.

I guess in terms of recent weapons, biological warfare agents -- they have little or no record of having acted as a deterrent, and now we have this huge mess in that they are easy to transport and deploy, to a much greater extent than nuclear weapons, and yet also extremely dangerous.

i am pretty sure bows are born as hunting devices, while firearms were always primarily weapons

[~Shard~]

Sorry, just the "contrarian" in me. :) :D

No worries, I totally appreciate the bastardliness. ;) :D

I'd go with the gun or maybe the longbow... while many weapons have been developed since those times, I think the significant difference today is that, with many weapons of the 20th century and beyond, neither the goal nor the net result was a large scale increase in bloodshed. Various kinds of airplanes, submarines, bombs, missiles, atomic and nuclear devices, are at least arguably successful at creating a deterrent and having a net impact of reducing casualty. But the initial transitions to distance warfare basically, as I understand it (historians correct me) basically just increased the amount of bloodshed with no eye towards peacekeeping.

I guess in terms of recent weapons, biological warfare agents -- they have little or no record of having acted as a deterrent, and now we have this huge mess in that they are easy to transport and deploy, to a much greater extent than nuclear weapons, and yet also extremely dangerous.

I agree with what you're saying for the most part, however one point to consider is that weapons evolved from earlier variants which were used for hunting etc. and thus surviving at the time - killing deer, bison, whatever for food. And arguably self-defense, albeit from animals perhaps. So, they were not initially used specifically for violence against other humans. Now yes, things have changed, as you've alluded to, but I guess what I'm saying is that weapons were not just invented one day for the specific purpose of violence and bloodshed of fellow man - they evolved (unfortunately, in many cases) to their later forms.

[mkrishnan]

i am pretty sure bows are born as hunting devices, while firearms were always primarily weapons

Sorry, I meant more particularly the English Longbow, and the impact it had on warfare in Europe. But you're right -- longbows predated that, and they were also even around that time always dual use technology. :D I guess really what I mean is the invention of "modern warfare."

But then the thing with these kinds of statements is always that, had that specific technology not been invented, in most cases, circumstances were aligning such that some other similar technology would have arisen. It was arguably inevitable that nations would eventually resort to larger scale warfare as agrarianism, industrialization, and other economy-of-scale-based changes in society continued.

[maestro55]

Another one that I despise the "invention" of the military-industrial complex. War has become big business. It doesn't matter who has to die for the war contractors to make their profits. But that is for a totally different thread.

[~Shard~]

But then the thing with these kinds of statements is always that, had that specific technology not been invented, in most cases, circumstances were aligning such that some other similar technology would have arisen. It was arguably inevitable that nations would eventually resort to larger scale warfare as agrarianism, industrialization, and other economy-of-scale-based changes in society continued.

I think this is an excellent point. :cool:

[paddy]

So what? The game/sport debate is about as useful as the planet/not a planet debate ( i.e. pointless). Claiming that Curling is THE WORST INVENTION EVER is just a ridiculous thing to say.

Relax, I don't think he was being too serious! :p

SUV's.

Youtube (not really but people waste waaay too much time on it!

[Don't panic]

It is actually really hard to come up with the worst invention ever, I mean there has been so much terrible engineering over the years. People creating useless things like the so called "infinity razor" to sell on late night paid programming shows to material hungry consumers. There are also the incredibly stupid inventions like the ipod fans (little fans that would hang around your neck shaped like an ipod) that we sold at Wal-Mart.

But if you were to ask me what I thought was probably the worst invention in the world I have to say was the atomic bomb. The bottom line is that the atomic bomb has created so many problems in our world. Not only the 220,000 killed when the bombs hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki but also the hundreds of thousands more who died related to injuries or radiation poisoning. The use of nuclear weapons has put countries in fear of each other and may eventually lead to a third world war and the end of humanity as we know it.

it's always difficult to make these sort of assessments.
war and weapons are an intrinsic and likely unavoidable part of human history. weapons development is likely ineluctable, including that of atomic weapons. There were teams from other countries, including soviet union, japan and germany working on atomic programs, and if the US didn't get there first, someone else would have.
it's use in japan costed a tremendous amount of lives, and was probably unnecessary in strict terms (war being basically won at that point) but it also likely shortened the war a lot, as it is unclear if the japanese would have capitulated fully or if a conventional invasion/bombing campaign would have been necessary (as in europe).
the cost in life and the following effect were tremendous, but maybe it was "best" (so to speak) if its power was first tested in absence of the possibility of retaliation/escalation.

[iJohnHenry]

But if you were to ask me what I thought was probably the worst invention in the world I have to say was the atomic bomb. The bottom line is that the atomic bomb has created so many problems in our world. Not only the 220,000 killed when the bombs hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki but also the hundreds of thousands more who died related to injuries or radiation poisoning. The use of nuclear weapons has put countries in fear of each other and may eventually lead to a third world war and the end of humanity as we know it.

Let us not forget the 'others'. The Allied forces, whose lives were saved by not having to invade the Japanese home-land.

And perhaps humanity, as we know it, is due for an ending??

I doubt I will see that, having to satisfy myself with dying in bed with some malidy or other.

[Silver-Fox]

I would settle for Cricket as one of the worst things ever invented

[erickkoch]

I would settle for Cricket as one of the worst things ever invented

Uh oh, put flame suit on.

[zebraman]

Government :D

[Shotglass]

This thread.

[PowerFullMac]

Semi-serious answer: reality TV.


I agree that its one of them.

I have finally got the answer: school! :D

[63dot]

Microsoft.

EDIT: To expand on that, specifically Windows Vista.

As for really bad products, I nominate Microsoft Windows, compared to any product I have seen in any industry.

The major alternatives like Mac OS, Linux, and Unix just outclass Windows.

That being said, I think Microsoft Office is, like Randy Jackson says, "Just OK", but X-Box and Flight Simulator get a solid "B" from me.

For "A" products, one need only to look at products like hybrid cars, Taylor acoustic guitars, the iPod, and Reese's peanut butter cups, really ;)