In case you haven't noticed, the government has mandated that effective Jan.1, 2012, all light bulbs manufactured must be converted from the normal incandescent bulbs to fluorescent, LED or LCD technology. Supposedly getting your bulbs replaced will save energy. There are lots of decisions including equivalent light, color of light and cost. You may save on energy but the cost of new bulbs is a shocker. My understanding is that fluorescent bulbs all contain mercury needed to produce the glow. Mercury is a hazardous material known to summon Emergency Cleanup Units. My advice is "don't drop your new bulbs". Your house may be surrounded by fire trucks.
Just a quick story. When Nana moved into Kindred Hearts Assistant Living, she could not get proper TV reception. When an electrician came to check things out, he discovered that there was one of the new "energy saving" fluorescent light bulbs in the table lamp the home provided next to her bed. He said they caused the problem, so removed the bulb and replaced it with a regular "normal" one. Her TV worked great and she was very happy. I wonder if it affects cell phones?
We start the year with a clean slate. Make up your mind to being bombarded by political radio and TV messages. The Presidential election rhetoric ramps up. The potential Walker recall will generate lots of political mudslinging. Then there is the "occupy something" movement. Imagine if we took the "$ billions" that will be spent on ads and used that money to feed the poor.
For you Packers fans, here is the deal. They have a week off. Then they play the New York Giants at home. That will be followed by a game against New Orleans at home. The Super Bowl in Indianapolis will be a Packer/New England Patriot matchup. There you have it. In a perfect world, I've just described the march to the NFL championship.
Badgers lost the Rose Bowl for the same reason they lost two other games: lousy defense. Maybe a little bad luck! It was a very good year for Bucky. Oh well. There is always the losers lament "there is always next year".
New Year's Day I shoveled for the first time this winter season.
Stay Warm.
Love,
Dad