This month. Good News Wants To Know…

what cool existing invention do you wish you had thought of to invent yourself?

Having begun my illustrious sales career in the office supply business, it should not be surprising that my selection would be the ubiquitous Post-It Note. Hardly a day goes by without using one or seeing one in use in a variety of shapes and colors. The fact that the discovery was accidental only makes it even more appealing. That’s my story and I am sticking (lightly) to it!

Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company

This is a very basic and real question for me. My dad ran a lathe in a small tool shop owned by Mr. Fraze when we were growing up. Mr. Fraze invented the pop top can in that shop, an invention we still use today which I wish I had thought of. The “Fraze Pavilion” in Kettering, Ohio is now named for him.

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott 

Back in 1902 Willis Carrier invented the air conditioner. If there was ever an inventor that warranted a statue being built in their honor here in Florida, it would be for Willis.

Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting

Solar power! I love how something so elemental to creation can be used for other purposes.

Char Talmadge, Executive Director, Rescue Upstream

I think we would all like to say that we invented the iPhone or some life changing device. However, I will be more modest and just say that I would be happy to have designed the device that connects to your car headrest to hang your suit jacket, so it doesn’t end up on the floor of your car!

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100

There are many incredible inventions, but the 3D printer’s potential manufacturing applications, from aerospace components to musical instruments, are particularly impactful. 

Christopher C. Simpson, President & CEO, CBMC International

Two come to mind: the global positioning system (GPS) and one of the search engines like Google. Being the conceiver and developer to either one of them would have been very rewarding.

H. Collins Forman, PA

The breakthrough invention I wish I had invented, but thankfully my dear missions friends did, is their solar powered audio bibles (NT) that are providing a durable, reliable way to bring God’s word to the most remote people groups. It’s now available in over 1,300 languages, thanks to the ministry, Faith Comes By Hearing.

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

Having traveled a lot as a young person and then getting into the aviation business, I love the invention of wheels on suitcases, duffle bags and other baggage items. After several years of 2 wheels they installed 4 wheels – what an incredible convenience.  

Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service

The Slinky. This was an easy one for me. In 1943, Richard Jones was trying to design a meter to monitor power on battleships. As he worked with tension springs one of them fell to the ground and kept bouncing from place to place after it hit the floor. Viola, the Slinky was born. I so wish I would’ve invented the Slinky, but Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 tells us that we all have different gifts and, apparently, inventing things is not one of mine. Conclusion: We should be thankful for whatever gift our gracious God has given us. Amen.

Fidel Gomez, Assistant Pastor, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

GPS! I now use it even when I know where I am going if only to avoid traffic or accidents! How did we function without it!

Fred Scarbrough, DVM, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida

Air Conditioning! Prior to A/C, Florida was only a winter destination. 

Gregg Wallick, President, Best Roofing, Inc.

Two very important inventions I couldn’t live without. One, the hair straightener! I was blessed with long super curly hair and though I leave it natural often, there are times when a less wild mane is more suitable! Lol… Second, the .99 cent vegetable peeler as I cook almost daily and we consume lots of fresh vegetables. Btw, I’m still using the same peeler I bought over 40 years ago!! Technology is wonderful but it’s the simple things that matter!

Helen Wayner, P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty

For me, it would be the digital camera. The ability to capture a moment is a priceless treasure. The relationships we have and the moments we share are one of the treasures in life.

Jesse Carroccio, Station Manager, WRMB Moody Radio

The existing invention that I wish I had invited is the automation of tangible logistics. It has revolutionized the business industry by streamlining the product to end user process, creating an expanding scope of opportunity for small business development, and positively impacting our customer choice. Technology supported customer simplification makes it possible to support like-minded and valued businesses. 

Dr. Jessica Vera, President and CEO, Elite Foundation

Refrigeration is one of the most staple elements of everyday life, and it would have been amazing to discover the process of how to induce cooling. Imagine being the first guy that ran up to his sibling and unexpectedly dumped a glass full of ice cubes down their back!

Justus Martin, Photographer, Justus Martin Photo

In 1931 my grandfather Dominic N. Fantaci invented the “Windshield Heater/Defroster” Patent #1,918,387. He also invented the “Hydraulic Auto Jack” Patent # US2827262A in 1956. Both of these inventions were a significant technological advancement at the time and are currently being used around the world today, not only in the automotive industry but in the marine and airlines as well. The twist and turn to the story is that when he was in negotiations for production with the General Motors Company, he had a paralyzing back injury followed by a stroke which rendered him incapacitated for decades. When he finally was able to discuss the issue with family members the Statute of Limitations had expired without remedy. So, the next time you turn on your window defroster or jack your car up to change a tire, thank the Lord for my grandfather, Dominic Nunzio Fantaci. I wish I had thought of that!

Ken Kerrigan, Pastor, Calvary Chapel Cornerstone Church

Without a shadow of doubt, the cell phone!

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

As a Floridian, let’s just say the most important two letters for us all — AC!

Laura C. Bishop, Executive Vice President of Advancement, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Well, I am dating myself with this one! About forty years ago my father-in-law had the idea of making solar lights to put in your yard. He was tired of trying to bury the cord and plug it in somewhere. He actually had the idea, but never followed through with it. I wish he had!

Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

Not that I am remotely a tech person or would have any idea how to, but I wish I would have invented the internet for the simple fact that I’d be able to control its content. So much benefit has come from this invention; however, it also has created so much damage and pain.

Dr. Michael Rozenblum, Genesis Physical Medicine and Chiropractic

As I write my reply on my laptop, which I use quite often, I wish I invented the computer laptop. You see everyone carrying one as they travel throughout the world, especially at the airport security check points. It keeps us connected, maybe even too much.

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters

Bottled water. A vital necessity in a convenient container. Consider the Exodus: imagine how much easier it would have been for Moses if every Israelite had their own case of Perrier as they made their way through the wilderness. Imagine if we had to go through the day without our $2.50 for 8-oz bottle of ph-adjusted alkaline mineral water within arm’s reach at any moment? In both scenarios the Bottled Water is the game-changer which is why I wish I had invented it.

Oksana Horton, Creative Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

The existing invention that I wished I had thought of to invent would be the Internet, which would have given me the wealth and tool to fulfill the main and number one mandate of Christ Jesus, that is, to “Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations (people) baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you ”(Matthew 28:19-20). Yes, if I had invented the Internet, I would have used said invention and wealth to bring salvation to all mankind around the world for Christ Jesus sake.

O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

I wish I had thought of inventing the hot and cold water filtered water dispenser. I saw one in an office many years ago and purchased one. It has been so well used, and we have gone through two of them over the past 20 years. My family really enjoys being able to get cold filtered water whenever they want and for those members of the family that drink tea (like me) we can instantly have a nice hot cup of tea at the touch of a finger. I also use this for cooking as well and there are no bottles to lift!

Patricia Colangelo, EdS, Program Director, Master of Arts in Leadership, Trinity International University – Florida

I am honored to say I currently have two patents on Athletic Equipment. A set of ‘2-position’ hurdles that fold up and fit in a duffel bag for missions, and a pull-up bar that can be strapped to a tree branch that also fits in a duffel bag. We’ve all heard the saying: “Necessity is the mother of invention.”
But the one REALLY COOL invention that I wish I had invented, is the “water balloon kit” where 30 water balloons all fill up at the same time, and have a rubberband that automatically seals in the water… and IT ALL HAPPENS IN 15 SECONDS!!!!
For as many water balloons as I have filled up in my career, I wish I had invented that one myself!!!

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder/President, SAINTS International Sports Ministry and SAINTS Homeschool P.E.

ChatGPT!

Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler LLP

A Small but cool invention was the automatic dimmer for our side view mirrors on our cars. I thought of that, and wanted to invent that, years before they became standard on most cars.

Ron Bramos, Pastor, Victory Life Church

The cool existing invention that I wish I would have thought of is the iPhone. The ability to have not only a great phone, but a computer, camera, games, calendar and much, much more in a device that you carry around all the time is amazing. I especially love the YouVersion Bible app that allows people to read the Word of God, highlight, have it spoken to you and join reading plans with others. It is a great example of how God could use a tool that could be used for evil but use it for good by drawing people closer to Him through His Word. Apple looks ahead to help people with needs that they don’t even know that they have which encourages us all to always look outside the box.

Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland

Three initials have helped me and a multitude of others. It’s cool and yet we take it for granted – GPS. I’ve always had a great sense of direction, but nothing beats the GPS on not only how to get where I’m going but how long it will take and if there are any roadblocks on the way.

Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC South Florida

The movie “Jaws” changed the way people entered the ocean. I was never fearful of what was below the surface until that scary feature came out. My invention would be a small, portable propeller system that attaches to floats, rings and surfboards. If you see something lurking around, you just hit a button, and it moves you through the water at 5-10 miles an hour. I think this might be Shark Tank material.

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward Right to Life

Read last month’s GNWTK at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/excuse-for-being-late/