Another snowy day here in the Great White North, and I'm pondering a couple of big, important social issues that I need to get off my chest.
So I'm passing them off as "practical advice" for the modern age.
1) Smoke detector batteries. Twice a year, when Daylight Savings Time begins or ends, we all face a barrage of well-meaning broadcasters, publishers and other wanna-be helpers claiming it's essential we change all our smoke detector batteries immediately.
After thinking I heard a beep, I checked one of mine today. Now, I wasn't born yesterday, and I'm pretty quick to pick up on marketing hype. So I write the date on any smoke detector battery when I install it. Been doing this for years.
Today's battery checked out well in the "green" on a battery tester. It's been in the detector since February, 2012 and still sounds the alarm when I hit the test button.
That's right. The original battery lasted longer than the recommended life of the detector itself. This is not the first time I've seen this.
I officially give you permission to change your batteries only when they need it. And PLEASE correct anyone you hear repeating this myth. I suspect it was initiated by battery manufacturers.
2) Gas can spouts. After spending some quality time out in 10 degree F temperatures, in the snow and wind, trying to pour fuel from a modern gas can spout, I recalled that I'd run into this issue before.
For some reason no-one can explain, the brain trust that runs our government has forbidden the sale of gas cans with spouts that work, or vents to allow the fuel to flow cleanly. We're required to try to hold the heavy can steady, in just the right spot, while fuel slowly gurgles out at barely more than a trickle, splashing all over the place the whole time.
Amazon to the rescue. They sell a [-]gas[/-] water can spout kit, complete with the little vent you install yourself.
Read the reviews. I'm not the only one who is baffled by this regulation, or has found this solution.
Which reminds me. Who decided that we can't be trusted with six gallons of fuel, but 5 gallon cans are fine? I bought a batch of six-gallon cans while they were still legal in Massachusetts (of all places) but banned in other states.
I feel better now. Feel free to add your own "advice".
So I'm passing them off as "practical advice" for the modern age.
1) Smoke detector batteries. Twice a year, when Daylight Savings Time begins or ends, we all face a barrage of well-meaning broadcasters, publishers and other wanna-be helpers claiming it's essential we change all our smoke detector batteries immediately.
After thinking I heard a beep, I checked one of mine today. Now, I wasn't born yesterday, and I'm pretty quick to pick up on marketing hype. So I write the date on any smoke detector battery when I install it. Been doing this for years.
Today's battery checked out well in the "green" on a battery tester. It's been in the detector since February, 2012 and still sounds the alarm when I hit the test button.
That's right. The original battery lasted longer than the recommended life of the detector itself. This is not the first time I've seen this.
I officially give you permission to change your batteries only when they need it. And PLEASE correct anyone you hear repeating this myth. I suspect it was initiated by battery manufacturers.
2) Gas can spouts. After spending some quality time out in 10 degree F temperatures, in the snow and wind, trying to pour fuel from a modern gas can spout, I recalled that I'd run into this issue before.
For some reason no-one can explain, the brain trust that runs our government has forbidden the sale of gas cans with spouts that work, or vents to allow the fuel to flow cleanly. We're required to try to hold the heavy can steady, in just the right spot, while fuel slowly gurgles out at barely more than a trickle, splashing all over the place the whole time.
Amazon to the rescue. They sell a [-]gas[/-] water can spout kit, complete with the little vent you install yourself.
Read the reviews. I'm not the only one who is baffled by this regulation, or has found this solution.
Which reminds me. Who decided that we can't be trusted with six gallons of fuel, but 5 gallon cans are fine? I bought a batch of six-gallon cans while they were still legal in Massachusetts (of all places) but banned in other states.
I feel better now. Feel free to add your own "advice".