San Jose is an exciting place to live. You never know what ingenious and creative people you will run into. Today, for me, it was Steven J. Cousineau.

Last night on ABC’s American Inventor I saw some interesting ideas. Everything from adult bibs (to wear while dinning in the car) to bicycle wheel covers.

With judge George Foreman’s help, the bib lady made it on to the next level of competition, but Steven J. Cousineau’s bike wheel covers failed to impress the panel of four judges. Steven was so sure that they would see the purpose of his invention that it took some time for him to accept their rejection. Turned down without any kind words of encouragement, he was then escorted out the door. He swore he would succeed anyway. (I’m convinced the judges overreaction was to add drama to the show.)

While driving up Meridian Ave. this morning I did a double-take. Right there on the sidewalk, just before Minnesota Ave., was the bicycle from TV! I carefully put my cab in reverse and parked. After finding Steven around back, he agreed to pose for Metroblogging San Jose.

I don’t know if the wheel covers will ever make it into production, but if my daughter’s bike had been outfitted with Steven’s invention she could have avoided the emergency trip to Kaiser Santa Clara hospital. (Her bag, hanging from the handlebar, got stuck in the front spokes and she fell hard to the street ripping open her chin.)

Last years winner, Mr. Janusz Liberkowski, is from the San Jose area. Take a look at his lifesaving American invention.

Related posts:

1. I think today is going to be a good day.
2. San Jose is 3rd Runner-up in Most Improved City
3. I love “American Idol”
4. Asian American Film Festival
5. May Is National Bike Month