The brightest bulb in the box? -Liz’s rant

Today, I bring you yet another head-spinner – this time, one that’s gonna hit you right in the wallet. And with gas at $4 a gallon (up 125 percent since January 2009, meaning we’re paying $1,000 more per year), food prices up 26 percent and one in seven Americans on food stamps, this one could go over like a lead balloon.

A new 100-watt LED light bulb has recently been introduced to replace those incandescent bulbs we all know and love. For the low (low) price of $50, you, too, can own one of these bulbs. That’s right. Fifty dollars for a light bulb. I guess we really shouldn’t be surprised. If you’ve priced those dastardly curly-q bulbs, you already know they’re not cheap, either. Running roughly $4 and up for a single unit, many people could end up sitting in the dark if money’s tight. Let’s see. Shall we buy this whole chicken and feed the family or get a light bulb? Hmmm.

If you think this forced choice isn’t coming soon, think again. The 100-watt incandescent won’t be available as of this coming January. (Note to self – hit the dollar store and buy a few more packs of light bulbs before they’re all gone.) By 2014, they’ll be all but non-existent. Of course, there’s also the issue of the new bulbs not necessarily fitting in old lighting fixtures, but don’t worry. I’m sure it’ll be fine.

Just like most other things in the realm of all things government, the incandescent ban came before anyone thought things through. Many more of their bright ideas and we won’t be able to afford our own existence.

-Liz