Light Bulbs: the big scoop
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
In the beginning, God said 'Let there be light', and there was light, and it was generally regarded as a good move - except by some folk with very bad hangovers.
Light made everything more comfortable. Less stubbing of toes and whatnot. Those who wanted darkness were free to cover their eyes, a measure which many of the above mentioned hungover folk took. The big drawback with light was this: unless it was daylight and you were outside, there simply wasn't much of it. The moon and stars were fine for necking in the bushes or for cat burglary, but not a lot more. Fire was alright for a time, but was getting passe.
Enter Thomas Alva Edison (yes, Alva). Being a bright lad (no pun intended), he decides to make an electric powered light source - lightbulbs not being invented yet, a candle metaphorically appeared over his head. In 1879 (Thom. was 32 yrs. old then) he succeeded.
Now there are 40 watt bulbs, 100 watt, et cetera. Besides which, there are florescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, and more, which are hardly worth going into.
The light bulb has also been the catalyst for many (usually poor) jokes. See elsewhere in the guide for some of these.
*** safety tip: don't stick your finger in an empty lightbulb socket ***
Light made everything more comfortable. Less stubbing of toes and whatnot. Those who wanted darkness were free to cover their eyes, a measure which many of the above mentioned hungover folk took. The big drawback with light was this: unless it was daylight and you were outside, there simply wasn't much of it. The moon and stars were fine for necking in the bushes or for cat burglary, but not a lot more. Fire was alright for a time, but was getting passe.
Enter Thomas Alva Edison (yes, Alva). Being a bright lad (no pun intended), he decides to make an electric powered light source - lightbulbs not being invented yet, a candle metaphorically appeared over his head. In 1879 (Thom. was 32 yrs. old then) he succeeded.
Now there are 40 watt bulbs, 100 watt, et cetera. Besides which, there are florescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, and more, which are hardly worth going into.
The light bulb has also been the catalyst for many (usually poor) jokes. See elsewhere in the guide for some of these.
*** safety tip: don't stick your finger in an empty lightbulb socket ***
