"I don't know about anyone else but I certainly understand how the author feels sometimes." (Jim Wagner)
The Wall Street Journal/Andy Kessler/Opinion, 12/27/13. "Andy Kessler: Living the California Nanny-State Life. Are you into reusable bags, recycling, fluorescent bulbs and going by the rules? I know just the place for you."
| Don't wash the bag bonus: 8% E.coli bacteria some salmonella |
| "What kind of dog? That's my show dog" |
.... But in California, as in so many other places, the nannyish mentality extends well beyond government, seeming to reach into life's every cranny. Want a simple cup of coffee? Hard to find one that doesn't come without a lecture about its being "fair trade"—as if all other coffee were obtained at gunpoint.
.... Once caffeinated, I hit the streets with my dog. To be nice, I stupidly
ask people I run into what kind of dog they have. The smugly
self-satisfied answer 98% of the time: "rescue dog." I think that's
French for mutt—and doesn't answer the question. When someone asks me
what kind of dog I have, I just say "show dog." Shortens the
conversation." Read Article.
Submitted by Jim Wagner
Note: photo from Keetsa green business blog. CA Bear cartoon by A. F. Branco from Net Right Daily.
Posted by Kathy Meeh
27 comments:
I can't believe the Feds banned regular incandescent light bulbs as of 1-1-14. Stores can still sell the stock they have. I hate the CFL's. The light sucks and they seem like they burn out quickly. They alaso put mercury into the environment if not disposed of properly.
Who are these bureaucrats to tell an entire industry that they can no longer make their product that's been around for over 100 years? How about all the people put out of work because of this?
Hutch, on average each CFLs lasts 10x longer than incandescent, uses 5x less mercury, and saves the consumer $30 over its lifespan. Most importantly, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on foreign oil. This new law will achieve the equivalent of taking tens of millions of cars off the road. As for American jobs, it is true that the only US plant that still made the incandescent bulbs has closed and laid off it's 200 workers, and most CFls are made in China, but there are a few US companies that make them, such as this one: http://bowmanlamps.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/buy-american-cfl-light-bulbs-assembled-in-the-usa/
I highly recommend that conscientious consumers seek them out, and take the simple steps needed to dispose of them properly.
Hey Ms. Porter, how do you dispose of one of these new light bulbs "properly".
Now tuck me in Papa Jerry, I'm tired.
Ian, CFL bulbs can "sometimes" outlast incandescent. It is my experience that they don't in my old building.
A lot more than 200 jobs have been lost since the 2007 ban was written into law. My father used to work for the Westinghouse lightbulb factory in New Jersey. They employed 1000's of workers. There were 100's of these plants around the US. I remember seeing one of the first light bulbs in Thomas Edison's factory.
Sadly 99% of the CFL's are made in China where there are little environmental protections so we actually end up with more pollution and greenhouse gasses from their coal fired power plants.
An average CFL includes enough mercury to pollute 528 gallons of water according to EnergyStar.gov. And breaking one in the house can be hazardous to your health if not dealt with properly.
Bottom line, we don't need the government telling us what to buy. I'm heading to Lowes for a 10 year supply of old Edison bulbs.
And believe it or not, Bush signed this albatross into law.
Ian, a 12 pack of those American CFL's you linked to cost $76 plus shipping. A 12 pack of regular bulbs cost about $4.20. Do the math. Even though they save energy people are not going to pay that. Thanks evironmentalists for ruining another industry.
From Wiki:
"CFLs typically have a rated service life of 6,000 - 15,000 hours, whereas standard incandescent lamps have a service life of 750 or 1,000 hours."
That's at least 5X more for CFLs.
"a 12 pack of those American CFL's you linked to cost $76 plus shipping."
That comes out to $6.33 each. And each of those will save the owner an average of $30 over it's lifespan in energy and replacement savings. Think of them as an investment, like solar panels, but much, much cheaper.
My dad worked at a lead paint factory, and he still would if it hadn't been for that damned meddling government.
I prefer L.E.D. bulbs to C.F.L. Better light,last longer (25,000 hrs.) and no hum.
"Bottom line, we don't need the government telling us what to buy. I'm heading to Lowes for a 10 year supply of old Edison bulbs."
They're may be sold out by now. I went to Home Depot to stock up on incandescent bulbs a few weeks ago, and they were almost all gone.
I can't stand the light the CFLs produce. Very cold and harsh.
If your house is BRAND SPANKING new, 12 gauge romex everywhere, no knob and tube, the new bulbs do well. BUT, if like my house which has more add on than original house, built by substance abusers and douches who said, "How hard could it really be," the new bulbs last about a week. We';ve tried, oh boy how we have tried, but without a $30,000 electrical upgrade (at least) and another $5000 on new fancy pants fixtures to compliment the upgrade the new lights just don't cut it. One day maybe they will, but not while profits go before people and child labor in far off lands make these new bulb things for a buck a day.
I'm a volunteer for SMC Environmental Health, and sample the water quality every Monday morning at San Gregorio, Pomponio, Pescadero, Bean Hollow and Gazos creeks and beaches before driving back to my home of Pacifica. That's 80 miles in all weathers year round. Before the plastic bag ban I'd see Safeway bags blowing around beaches and creeks, choking what little flow existed. When they were banned I noticed straight away that the beaches were bereft of bags. Still full of plastic crap, which I still clean up, but I see a plastic bag maybe every 3rd week instead of 20 every week. Call it nanny state if you want but it was bloody ugly beforehand because of lazy buggers, and now it looks closer to how California likes to think of itself.
Ah bliss is near. Soon, no decisions at all.
Don't worry Hutch. China may be an environmental mess, but we're keeping the US pretty clean. They can always buy us and visit when they need some fresh air and scenery. Oh wait...
"the new bulbs last about a week"
I've had the same problem. There have been multiple instances where I've bought eco-bulbs that only lasted a few days.
Yep same here Steve. The CFL bulbs will only last from a week to a month or two at my place. I agree with Todd, it's these old houses. Makes me wonder where they get their data for these bulbs lasting 12,000 hours.
that's just the price of being an eco-warrior. enjoy that special glow
and keep buying those CFL bulbs.
851 you live in Pacifica and they don't have you sample San Pedro Creek? Sounds like an interesting job though.
My house was built in 1960, and the previous owner did some amateur electrical work on his own. I was wondering if some spiky electrical power flow problems were blowing out the bulbs.
Go here for reasons why your CFL bulbs are not lasting; http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/resident/cv5_lw2.htm#CFLkillers
Any of you Rantanon lurkers know the story behind all the little green circles showing up around town?
They are about 8" across, well painted with a highlight to give them some form, and placed with a green stick. They are on fences, in the ground, basically all over town. I think I'll start collecting them.
Any ideas oh great whine-in-ators regarding their origin?
Just read Pointafingeranon @ 2:57's link. WAY TOO MUCH HOMEWORK, and what store is going to stock all those variations?
Long lasting energy efficient bulbs are awesome but again, unless you invest in a very expensive upgrade to a mix matched house these things will not last at all. And you can't throw them away.
Sorry. this law/regulation is a feel good fuck the middle class a little bit more solution, not a real solution.
Please watch your language, Todd. This is a family values blog.
I haven't noticed the little green circles anywhere. I'll probably start noticing them now.
257 your Seattle, WA CFL light bulb information has been added as a reference to the "Dummy's guide" posted yesterday. Thank you for the link, its an excellent reference-- or as Todd said at 513, "way too much homework."
The article says, the CFL light bulbs have improved. I've used them in my business and home for years without accelerated burnout or other problems. Softer bright light, and day light bulbs are now available. The wiring in this house is 1960 knob and tool upstairs, with more modern 2003 wiring downstairs. Speaking of "dummies", I never really thought about these light bulbs being fluorescent, now my eyes hurt.
Hutch, 8:51 here, I could sample locally if I wanted but SMC has trouble getting people to volunteer to do the far away beaches (most volunteers only do every 2nd week too) so I'm more than happy to do them every week. I'm a mid-week morning LM local surfer too, so putting something back for something I daily receive feels like only fair.
Todd those green circles are anti NIMBY antenna. They drive NIMBY's berzerk until they get the urge to gather them up. By that time it's too late, the trap is set and the brain cleaning has begun.
Hahahaha. I'll be owning a few by Monday.
Like Nancy Hall Said:
This is how Pacifica lives.
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