They Don't Make Things Like They Used To

   In this age of disposability and planned obsolescence, it seems things are
   not built to last. But maybe it's not the manufacturers' fault.  After all,
   it seems many consumers are all too willing to ditch "old-fashioned"
   appliances and gadgets for the latest and greatest.

   1. "Old Hoover still going strong after 53 years"
      < http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_735558.html >

   2. "Great granny still using same iron after 54 years"
      < http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_736608.html >

   3. "A 1901 lightbulb still burns bright to this day"
      < http://www.snopes.com/spoons/noose/lightbul.htm >

   My current fridge is about 25+ years old, and the family's old Frigidaire
   finally gave up last year after at least 40 years of service.  Neither
   fridge allow you to surf the net, but why would I want them to when I can
   use my PowerBook?  My mum's colour TV that was bought in 1983 is still
   functioning quite well.

   Here are some articles about how long appliances should last:

   1. "Longevity guidelines help determine whether appliance is worth cost"
      < http://www.detnews.com/entertainment/index.htm >

   2. "Appliance life expectancy"
      < http://allsands.com/Home/appliancelifee_tzm_gn.htm >

   3. "Appliantology: The Oracle of Appliance Enlightenment"
      < http://fixitnow.com/appliantology/appliance_life.htm >