Virtually all of the discussions on how to reduce gas consumption and traffic congestion involves increasing the supply: Pump more oil, refine more gasoline, build more roads, more busses, new transit systems. Yes, we need to do those things and more; but, we can make faster, highly effective gains with very little cost through a relatively painless adjustment in our livestyles. Let's institutionalize the 4-day work week. Here's what it can do: *Reduce commuting traffic by as...

There are several streamlined car carriers to carry all sorts of gear. I think it would be feasible to create a plastic or fiberglas carrier that could double as a kayak. There could be a lockable, outside shell or hatch to secure the carrier. The hull would be one piece with an attachable bow and rudder, kept inside. After lifting if off the car and removing the contents, total assembly time would be about 10 minutes.

Most of us have tried the free food samples at our local supermarket. They are usually chips, dips, sausages, cheese, or similar "finger food." While not always delicious, it is usually much better than a tiny bag of pretzels or peanuts that we get on a short airline flight. Why not make the food samples available to airline passengers. It would be a step up from what we get and wouldn't cost the airlines. Passengers could also fill out an optional opinion form and perhaps get a coupon...

This combination computer stand and CD carousel would hold several hundred CD's, like a juke box of old. CD's would be catagorized for easy access and available at the touch of an on screen button or digital information screen on the carousel. Music, word processing, drawings, photos--all would be easy to store and easy to get to. No more plastic cases. This would not be too difficult or expensive to manufacture. Sony, HP, Dell, and many computer accessory manufactures could make...

Remember the miniature softball-like object that Luke Skywalker tried to swat while learning his light sabre skills? Every space shuttle or other manned spacecraft could have one of these aboard to be released upon reaching orbit. Its main purpose would be to inspect the spacecraft or the International Space Station to detect defects or other problems. There could be a small self-contained, battery-powered motor and battery that could last several hours. It would then be retrieved...

Street drains, like those in your kitchen sink, are designed to let water and small amounts of solid matter pass through. Beyond that, they will clog. Their design demand it. How about street drains with gradual "convex" rises instead of straight bars. They would be strongly built to withstand cars and trucks. Leaves, paper, and other debris would shed from the top of the drain and sucked to the lowest open areas. Water, blocked by the forming debris at the base would be forced to seek...

Based on the idea of the "detachable faceplate" for car stereos, this bicycle frame lock about 2 1/2 inches long, is actually a small but critical part of the bike's frame. It has a 5-number combination lock. Without it securely fastened, the bike frame essentially has a "hole" in it and will collapse when someone sits on it. Made of steel or titanium, this tubular lock is highly portable and can be taken anywhere. In combination with a strong, standard bike lock, it will thwart any...