The Power of PIE (Positive Interactive Experience), Derek J Gable

Derek Gable was born in England and worked on many interesting projects in invention and creative fields, including jet engines, projectors, robotic manufacturing and chocolate-making machines (Willy Wonka). He was brought to the US in 1968 by Mattel and worked on projects for Barbie, Hot Wheels and other toys and games. He invented the Real Estate Lock Box system in 1979 and formed a company to market these devices.

He formed an invention and market development company (West Coast Innovations) for helping inventors take their concepts to production. He has been a teacher and mentor for many years, running a class called, “I have this great idea but don’t know what to do with it”. He has made presentations to service clubs and other organizations on subject creativity and how it can enhance one’s life.

Mr Gable says, “Look at your whole life, and make it more fun. Find out what you have a passion for and make it your work. Get creative.”

As an example, he formed a “Cheapskate Club” for inexpensive fun, such as going out to dinner and theater for $18 by looking for discounts and eating earlier during “Happy Hour”. He found GoldStar on the web for buying tickets at half-price, and Ports O’ Call Restaurant which has Happy Hour from 5-7 PM with food. The members meet in their homes and share their ideas about cheap food and entertainment, movies, etc, and discuss their experiences afterward.

Mr Gable discussed many inexpensive creative ideas and gags for entertaining grandchildren, including a small rubbery sticky hand on a string, that would grab onto whatever it touches. He showed a cardboard mailing tube stuffed with many small funny items and notes (including a note stating, “Life Is Sexually Transmitted”, presumably intended for mature audiences only). He brought out a plastic inflatable flower and many other party ideas, jokes and gags. For children, you can have a treasure hunt competition with a small amount of money in each item plus a clue to the next location. Another idea is rolled up dollar bills stuffed into a narrow-necked liquor bottle that could not be removed without breaking the glass. He also showed a Sudoku puzzle with removable squares to see numbers behind them. There is no limit to the human imagination!