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Remaining enlightened After recently changing a light bulb, I've decided there's a conspiracy out there. The light bulb people are running the world. By 2012, we will no longer be able to buy old style incandescent light bulbs. Only those annoying compact fluorescent (CF) ones will be available. Now I've given the CFs a fair shake. I've replaced many of the original incandescent bulbs in the house with CFs. But there's a problem-- they're garbage. I have a pair of them in the garage. You know, the cold, dark garage, where we park our cars? Just try a CF in that environment. When it's cold, it takes forever to light up. They start to glow, then build up to their full-fledged pathetic light (which seems to be equivalent to a couple birthday candles.) I tell ya, by the time it's up to full brightness, I'm late for work. Then there's the upstairs bathroom. Being old like me, when I get up in the night, I want instant light, not some pathetic glow in the dark. Geez, I need all the help I can get to... well, you know. And in the barn-- well that turned out to be the worst-case scenario. The stable's cold, that's a given, so the same problem arose as in the garage, only more so, as there was a whole row of bulbs, not one or two. They took much too long to light-- in fact, some wouldn't light at all, they just hung there and flickered. Now when I'm facing a stable full of hungry sheep, or worse still, a ewe giving birth in the middle of the night, well I need light-- pronto. So the CFs were short-lived in the barn. I switched back to the originals within days. In the barn, I have another use for incandescents-- as a heat source. Now before an environmentalist declares "Heat uses energy, and we're all for saving energy," well, just hang Love is in the air! And no place on Earth is more romantic than the magical islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia! Love may be eternal, but this promotion will only last until February 19. Don't hesitate! Reserve today. 7 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, February 10, 2011 TAKE YOUR SWEETIE TO TAHITI Ted Brown on a minute. You see, I utilize that heat. My water bowls for the livestock are kept warm by enclosing a 100 watt bulb under them, which creates 100 watts of heat, keeping the bowls from freezing. I'm really not sure how I'll address the problem once I can no longer buy incandescent bulbs. There are heated water bowls with electric elements on the market, but they cost hundreds of dollars. And the hydro used to heat them versus a light bulb? There's a huge difference. So we have a deadline, and it's gonna be here by 2012. But I have a plan. I'm buying up 12-packs of 100 watt bulbs. Geez, I may even sell 'em on the black market, to others who want to remain enlightened. So for those who are afraid of the dark, (or at least hate the dim light of a CF), go out and buy as many of those bulk packs of incandescents as you can find, and hide `em under lock and key, to be used when the old ones burn out. That way, we can remain enlightened-- at least more than those embracing CFs. And just watch-- somewhere down the line, someone will `discover' CFs are hazardous to landfill, or create a health hazard in the home. By then, the others will be history and we'll likely be paying a surcharge to dispose of the CFs. --Ted Brown can be reached at tbrown@independentfreepress.com Book by February 19, 2011, to enjoy Guest Privileges Credit of up to $1,000 per couple plus our special Valentine's gift on select sailings Exclusive Gift Package - Black Tahitian pearl and sterling silver pendant - Bottle of Champagne - Leonidas chocolates in a red box - Flower turndown service Georgetown One Valentine's Day gift package per booking. Not combinable with Groups and other select reduced-rate offers. Offer expires February 19, 2011. Call for details. " Maximum $1,000 per stateroom on 14-night itinerary, $500 per stateroom on all other itineraries. New bookings only. Offer expires February 19, 2011. 905-873-2000 328 Guelph St. Georgetown, ON TICO Reg #50018501 Open Saturdays 9am - 4pm w w w. v i s i o n 2 0 0 0 t r a v e l . c o m FREE FRESH LOAF Acton High School Every Saturday in February we are giving away loaves to our first 25 customers who mention this ad between 9:30 am - 5 pm. We've gone back to basics and are proud to offer you our new "OLD RECIPE" bread. All we ask is for you to give us your honest feedback. We trust you'll love it & spread the word! · Meat Pies · Scottish Meats · Pastries · British Sweets & Chocolate · Frozen Foods · Much More Miller's Bakery ATHLETES of the week 330 Guelph St. Georgetown Christ the King G.D.H.S Natalie Roza Nicola Kitching Dylan Auty Jessica Hannan Megan de Chastelain Zac Borotsik Acton High School Athletes of the Week are Natalie Roza and Nicola Kitching. Both are members of the Bearcats' swim team, and have been chosen for their dedication to the team, attending practices and working on their events. Georgetown District High School Athletes of the Week are Megan de Chastelain and Zac Borotsik. Borotsik is a dedicated member of the Rebels' curling team having played well in the zone playdowns, while de Chastelain is on the swim team, and was recognized for her team spirit and willingness to improve her times. Christ the King Catholic High School Athletes of the Week are Dylan Auty and Jessica Hannan. Auty, a forward on the Jaguars' hockey team, was chosen for his play at a tournament in New York, where he was named MVP for scoring the tying goal. Hannan, a centre on the Jags' girls hockey team, was selected for her two assists in a game against Notre Dame High School. SPORTS EXCHANGE DOUG MEAL Sales Representative Georgetown's Source for NEW and USED Sports Equipment! LACROSSE 68 Main St. N. (Hwy. 7) Georgetown GIVE ME A CALL AND WE'LL CHAT DIRECT: 905-702-4426 ·CASCADE ·DeBEER ·BRINE ·WARRIOR ·RBK ·HARROW ·STX MOORE PARK PLAZA 905-873-0176 REMAX REAL ESTATE CENTRE INC. 905-877-5211