From this week's WaPo Style Invitational in which readers were asked to think of "ways to make modern life harder than it needs to be."
Some of the good suggestions:
Introduce "17-29 Items" lanes at the supermarket.

Install speed bumps on the Beltway. [Only funny if you've ever been on this 'wonderful' road.]

Standardize the size and shape of all keys, so the only difference between them is the variation in the teeth. Also, make key rings and key chains illegal.

Replace friendly, knowledgeable humans with an automated voice that prompts callers to ceaselessly punch buttons until they no longer remember why they called or even have the will to live.

Adapt to all appliances the "Are you sure?" message that computers demand before deleting something.
Microwave a burrito: "Are you sure?" Change the channel: "Are you sure?"

All pills must be suppositories.
Diplomacy. (Submitted by George W. Bush, Washington)

Adopt California recall rules for all government positions. If you get 500 signatures and a filing fee, you can recall your postman.

Phone book arranged in alphabetical order -- by first name.