Tired of boring, inside-the-box thinking? Do you think that the United States is becoming a nation more of Homer Simpsons than of Thomas Edisons? In fact, some people out there are solving problems that we didn’t even know existed. Did you know that mechanical bat wings to provide aerodynamic lift for in-line skaters have been patented? How about the BinoCap, which builds binoculars onto the bill of a cap? Ted VanCleave has created a website called Totally Absurd (www.totallyabsurd.com), complete with hilarious commentary on wacky inventions that have received U.S. patents. Of course, it can be easy to be funny when you’re talking about toilet landing lights (they add “an almost mystical glow”), hairbraiding machines, hat tethers, and a diaper alarm.

Visit this Totally Absurd website to lighten your day and stimulate your creativity.