Bad Ideas That Won't Go Away

Have you ever noticed how many really stupid ideas never go away?   It seems as if once a system or a "thing" is in place no amount of logical complaint can dislodge it.

Baseball's unbalanced schedule is a perfect example of this problem.  For years teams in the National and American Leagues played a nearly equal number of games against teams in their respective leagues.  When the cost of travel became an increasingly important consideration, it was decided that the majority of games played by a team would be within their respective divisions.  Teams in the American League East would battle with other clubs in that division just as those in the Central and West would devote themselves to tilts with their regional competitors.  The policy for the National League was the same.  This is fine unless you actually enjoy watching ALL of the league teams fight it out with your favorite nine.  Here in Southern California Padres/Dodgers tilts may make for fewer frequent flyer miles but-- damn-- it gets old.

Another bad idea...

For myriad reasons the once almost enjoyable airplane ride has been reduced to new depths of teeth gnashing frustration.  From the virtual strip search and patddown courtesy of the grumps at the TSA to the cramped non existent service on the typical domestic flight, the experience of getting there by air has joined the non-stop party of the dental appointment and the colonoscopy.  

Go for the patdown.  It's more fun.

Even better than the flight itself, the worst idea of the past century can be found in most airport restrooms.  The "wave your hands" paper towel dispenser is the only device of "convenience" that consistently makes me scream and cuss as I stomp out of the men's room wiping my hands on my pants.  Those damn things NEVER work!  My wife laughs at me and claims there is no problem in the women's.  I'm guessing there is a conspiracy afoot.

Trick photography.  These things NEVER work!

Other dumb ideas that wont go away:


Cars with more technology than most of us can comprehend.

Blue ribbons for kids who merely "show up" for something.

Reality television.  I watched the first ever episode of Survivor and wanted to kill each and every participant with my bare hands.  Who needs to watch morons being morons?

Anything run by state or federal government.  How much longer until we understand that the government can run NOTHING?

Ethanol

Professional soccer

Yogurt

The designated hitter

Political correctness

Fondue

The IRS

This guy