TIME TESTED
Nashville. Yummy!
Nashville gets a “C” grade for its overall number of inventions. That’s a “C” as in the combination candy bar, chicken (hot) and cotton candy.
Super Forever
Norman Stingley, a chemical engineer working for Bettis Rubber Co. in Whittier, California, in 1964, was experimenting in his spare time when he accidentally created a goopy, rubberlike substance and compressed it under 3,500 pounds of pressure. Before long, he had a dense, compact synthetic rubber ball with bounce that seemed otherworldly.
It’s No. 1!
The Foam Finger is a pop culture mainstay—with an inspirational history. The Foam Finger is a fairy-tale fable of frenzy and fortune.
Going With the Flowbee
Kitchy hair-cutting product buttressed by pandemic—and a surprise celebrity endorsement. The Flowbee website crashed late last year from massive activity after George Clooney’s revelation.
Still On Guard
It would be as sweet as a cheese-and-pineapple double crust if Claudio Daniel Troglia got the rightful credit for his invention.
Campy Pioneer
The Clapper was an early home automation innovation almost a half-century ago. Just plug it into any standard wall outlet and clap twice to turn a lamp on or off. Clap three times to turn off the TV.