Have a happy green New Year!

In today's headlines, we learned that the glorious ball dropped in Times Square to ring in the New Year was retrofitted to be a "green" energy saver. Oh, joy. Quoth the BBC News:

"The LEDs on the $1.1m (£550,000) New Year's Eve Ball that will descend on Monday will be able to create a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns on each of its 672 crystal triangular panels."

So, let's see... balance that 1.1 MILLION dollar retrofit against the half a gazillion dollars spent nationwide to launch pyrotechnics into the air for twenty or so minutes, so that we could say, "Oooooooh, ahhhhhhh," and wind up with a strained neck. Let's not forget the amount of pollution those fireworks needlessly belched into our ever-weakening atmosphere. Don't get me wrong - I love watching the beautiful displays as much as the next guy. Still, at some point we need to weigh the consequences of our selfish actions, don't we? You know - walk the walk? We cause needless pollution, scare the living crap out of countless pets, cause a goodly amount of injuries to amateur pyromaniacs (well, maybe that's one for the plus column....), and waste millions of dollars that could be spent to make the planet a slightly better place to live (or maybe feed some starving people).


Yeah, we're really saving some trees with that big ol' ball in NY city. I'm filled with pride - how 'bout you?

The lights ain't only bright on Broadway

A friend of mine had to return the iHome gadget that she received as a gift the other day. Why, you might ask? Because the LED display was so bright, that even on the dimmest setting, it kept her awake, illuminating the room enough to cast shadows. I though I was the only one becoming annoyed by this phenomenon, but apparently that is not the case. We are quietly being besieged by all manner of LED light pollution, and I, for one, am growing tired of it. Unfortunately, as tired as I am, I can't sleep!

I turn off the light in my bedroom, and I suddenly become aware of myriad light sources, most of which are truly unnecessary. OK, you've got your clock radio - that makes sense. But then, what's that little light glowing atop the space heater that's not even turned on. Do we really need a light telling us that something is merely plugged in? I can pretty much navigate my way through the house now in total darkness, thanks to the countless digital clocks and LED's that seem to be part of everything we buy now, just because they're cheap to add to a product. Most rooms in my house appear like dyslexic runways - I find myself saying, "OK, two steps to the left of the blue LED, then make a right up by the green digital clock, and two paces to the left of the flashing network router lights, another right. Dammit, we're not satisfied with turning our streets into nightless wonders (I could spot a quarter in the middle of the street at midnight, or have a frisbee catch at 3 am) - now we have to bring the light pollution into our homes! Enough, I say! There is a reason that the sun sets - it is part of the grand design. That's when we're supposed to be able to sleep. Is this too difficult a concept? Don't get me wrong - I'm a big fan of the Light Emitting Diode - I love 'em! Just give me a way to turn the little f'ers off!