Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Politics & Lightbulbs

Bet you’re wondering what in the world that title means, huh?  Well . . . normally, I’d be the last person in the world to talk about politics.  In my list of non-interests or things that stress me out to talk about, “politics” sits at the top, right beside “taxes”. Start a conversation on either, and my eyes glaze over and I zone out. 

The last time I took much of an interest in a presidential election was in 1988 – my senior year in high school and the first year I would be able to vote.  Thankfully, my hubby is all over politics and knows what’s going on with the candidates – so, I usually depend on him to feed me just enough information to know who I should vote for these days.

Anyway, enough on that!  The real matter at hand here is something that I want to complain about . . . the government!  I mean, seriously, what were they thinking when they decided to regulate the type of lightbulbs that we can use?  Really?  Have they nothing better to work on down there in D.C.?!  Seems to me that matters like the National Debt would be a bit more important, but whatever.

008In any case, here’s my issue . . . I live in an old house and a lot of our light fixtures have exposed light bulbs.  Up until the recent past,we always purchased those light bulbs that looked like candle flames (?)  Anyway, with the new light bulb regulations, those aren’t available to us anymore.  So, we started out trying what appeared (in the package) to be the next best thing.  What is wrong with this picture?  The shape of the bulb itself isn’t bad – but those words around the bottom?!?  Why in the world would they do that?  I mean, talk about tacky.  And, my other complaint about these bulbs . . . they take forever to brighten up.  C’mon people – I don’t have all day!

009Then we discovered these babies.  I mean, these things are as ugly as all get out, aren’t they?  They, too, have the tacky label with words at the base.  And that twirly appearance . . . well, quite frankly, it looks horrendous in our candle-like fixtures.  But, their saving grace is this . . . when I flip on the light switch, I have immediate light.  I like that.  So, while I hate the way they look, I will choose them (for now) because of the whole “speed of light” issue. 

010Then, there are the non-exposed light fixtures in our house -  the ones we’ve replaced over the years for whatever reason.  Like the ceiling fan in our kitchen, for example.  A few weeks ago, the bulb burned out and we needed to replace it.  Brian went to put the shade back on and guess what?  It won’t fit.  All these new lightbulbs are just slightly longer than the old incandescent bulbs.  So, now, we have exposed lightbulbs even on the fixtures that weren’t meant to be that way.  Tacky?  Indeed! 

And that’s my rant for today!  In order to abide by government orders, it seems that I’m going to need to replace all the light fixtures in my home. I wonder – do they have a tax credit for that?!

9 comments:

KathyRN137 said...

Really! Why can't they make the new light bulbs in the shape of a candle?!

Sarah said...

I have similar candle style ones at my house and have had good luck finding them at dollar general (or other dollar stores) clean the shelves!!

Jennifer said...

The new lightbulbs are very toxic and dangerous if they break, too. Whereas the old ones, all you had to worry about was the glass!

I didn't realize the smaller based bulbs were getting changed out, too. I can still get the incandescents here. Now I'm starting to get worried.....

Letitia said...

I would definitely be ranting! My question, though, is why you can't get them. James just read 2 days ago that the ban has been put off until Sept. I didn't know it had already affected anything!! We're still using the old candle shaped bulbs in our dining room. I'm not sure when he bought some last, but I didn't think it had been that long ago.  I'll have to ask!

Shaun C said...

Did you read the ugly print too?  It tells you that you can't throw them away in the regular trash due to toxic elements.  They have to be recycled at a particular recycle center.  So whatever you might save in electric energy you more than waste in driving these bulbs to a recycle center. Good Luck with that!
 

Lis said...

I'm right there with you, Heidi~ This is one of the more ridiculous pieces of legislation that has gone through in recent years... ~ truly~ all the concern about the environment and now we're going to be forced to use lightbulbs too toxic to throw away~ (Sigh)

Heidi Strawser said...

I know, right? And without the words around the bottom!

Crazy Mom said...

What do you need lightbulbs for when you have a smile that lights up the room?  :)

Mikki said...

ROFL!! I've hear this rant every time I go into lowes with my hubby. He HATES that the government has done this.. me too..

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