January 1, 2014: today's the day that the incandescent light bulb ban goes into effect. Okay, so, technically it's not a "ban," as progressives like to point out - it's the Department of Energy, empowered by Congress and President George W. Bush, raising energy efficiency standards for lightbulbs. This is a bit roundabout, but today you'll find that you cannot buy those cheap incandescents. 40-, 60-, 75- and 100-watt incandescent bulbs do not meet the new energy standards. Now you've got your choice of slow-lighting curly-cue bulbs and fan-like LED bulbs - both at much higher prices.
CNET, in its review of new bulb options, rates an LED bulb that costs "just" $30 per bulb, as the "best" of the options that remain.
Those of you who have stockpiled lightbulbs get to keep using them, of course; jackbooted thugs won't knock down your door and haul you away for this crime. It just means you can no longer purchase them in stores.
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