Flashback: Some Dumb Inventions Live on in NYC

There's a terrific gallery of old images courtesy of LIFE (naturally) that show off 30 Dumb Inventions, all of which can still be seen around the city today. Yes, even the baby cage (on any given day in South Williamsburg you can see children hanging out in these things). It's probably best that inventions like the dog restrainer didn't make it to the present day, however; PETA would have likely had them banned by now anyway. [via Animal]

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By Jen Carlson in Arts and Events on September 29, 2009 5:15 PM

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BrooklynAli

i took a picture of one of those cages, on franklin, with a woman and small kid inside, but i cant upload it. These are not for acs, nor made of concrete and im still not clear about whats insulting?

BrooklynAli

How is saying those cages still exist in South Williamsburg insulting? And how have you never seen them? They're everywhere, especially on Wythe/Franklin and other streets in the more Jewish sections.

al oof

i've seen structures outside of windows, but not with babies in them. i've seen empty a/c cages. and i've seen small porches in the hasidic neighborhood. but neither of those are like the pictured baby cage. the porches are concrete (and used for religious observances). i guess the ac cages are similar but as i said, never seen a baby in one.

al oof

if your'e not going to link to a photo of someone hanging their baby out the window in a cage in south williamsburg, you shouldn't say it. i've never seen such a thing, and you come off as just insulting.

and shudder shades do what they do. they might not be a good idea for looks, but they aren't like the cumberson and probably dangerous dog restrainer, or the baby cage for that matter.

Bort

Sticking up for South Williamsburg and Shutter Shades?

This is you: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ul8VgHojN7U/Sn2iwCnqMnI/AAAAAAAATTI/n2qgwYG_F18/s400/7.jpg

al oof

thankfully i only wore shutter shades in 1984 when i had being a 6 year old as an excuse.

Bort

http://gothamist.com/2009/09/22/snuggie_sauna_your_new_weight_loss.php

is

http://www.life.com/image/53371109/in-gallery/25371/30-dumb-inventions