Pasta Twirling

Have you ever seen one of those electric spaghetti forks before? You know what I mean? Those forks that are about the size of an electric toothbrush and operate in much the same manner. Only instead of moving back and forth like the toothbrush, the tines of the electric fork twirl around when you press the button. Apparently they help in twirling one's spaghetti onto the fork for easier consumption. And I suppose in theory it is an... interesting invention. But it does leave me asking one major question – who finds spaghetti twirling so difficult that he/she needs to spend $10 on an electric spaghetti fork?

I suppose one could argue that people with arthritis or some other condition that limits free range of motion might benefit from this invention. But on the other hand, my arthritic great-uncle has difficulty turning a doorknob, much less pressing the tiny button on the spaghetti fork to start the thing a twirling.

And what happens if the fork activates when it's in your mouth? I'll tell you what happens – an unplanned tonsillectomy – that's what. Plus, I'm not exactly sure how I feel about power tools near my face. I have an image of a power surge sending sparks bouncing off my molars. And that just doesn't seem quite right...

Now, don't get me wrong – I'm sure this newfangled twirling fork makes a great addition to anyone's collection of flatware. (Or at the very least, it will make a great prop should anyone ever feel like taking up competitive ribbon twirling/dancing.) But I suppose I'm just old fashioned – I like my forks to stay still and my pasta to be hand-twirled. So to whomever invented this newest kitchen gadget, allow to simply say – nice try, but I think I'll keep my $10.