Saturday, January 26, 2008

A Fluorescent Idea

As an author, I love words and the images they conjure. Yesterday, I spent some time replacing old light bulbs with the new energy-saving fluorescent type. They look really cool.

You know how a light bulb turns on above a cartoon character when he gets a bright idea? These bulbs made me think of that. Wouldn't it be funny if new cartoons used these bulbs instead, indicating a different kind of idea, maybe an energy-saving idea?

Then I thought about the fact that fluorescent lights are a problem for some people. Sometimes the flickering or the noise can cause headaches, and the type of light can lead to other illnesses, so some people don't like them at all.

And that led me to this "bright idea." I'm inventing a new term. When you have a great idea, but it's likely to bother some people, call it a "fluorescent idea." For example, if you decide to paint your house pink or erect a twenty-foot statue of Groucho Marx in your front yard, that would be a fluorescent idea, because it's likely to annoy the neighbors. If you decide to save money by wearing the same pair of socks every day for two months, that would be a fluorescent idea.

So here's what I'm asking you to do. Please use this phrase whenever you can. If someone has an idea that you think is annoying, tell them out loud that it's a fluorescent idea. Use it in your writing. I'm already trying to figure out how to put it in one of my books. Use it in emails and chat rooms, explaining the meaning to those who don't understand. Let's make it part of the new lingo.

If you have an example of a fluorescent idea, tell me about it in a comment.

I know. Some people will think the idea to do this is fluorescent, but that's okay. It will only help to spread the word about this great new term.

34 comments:

Shane Deal said...

This is a fluorescent idea. But I think I shall attempt to take up the challenge, I can think of a few characters in my book who would use such a term, and probably quite often.

The Writer said...

This isn't so fluorescent as it is interesting.

Craig Snedeker said...

Quote: "If you decide to save money by wearing the same pair of socks every day for two months, that would be a fluorescent idea."

I already do!

Bryan Davis said...

Craig, some people might think that idea really stinks.

Do you ever wash them out?

Unknown said...

I love those energy saving bulbs! I have one in my lamp in my room, and four of them in the ceiling light in the living room. I want to replace to two bulbs in the ceiling light in the kitchen, and the ones in the bathroom and bedroom as well, eventually.

And as for socks...*begins singing*

Black socks, they never get dirty the longer you wear them the stronger they get.
Sometimes I think about washing them, but something inside me tells me not yet, not yet, not yet...


*ahem* A friend at Liberty taught me that *whistles* And you thought I learned academics :P

Anonymous said...

That's nasty, Craig. Definitely a fluorescent idea. EW. - Hahaha Clefy. Quick thinking on your part. =D

I like this phrase. Good idea. Bwhahaha, this shall be my mission at church!!! It might be a fluorescent idea, but I'm going to do it anyways. That's twice. I'm on a roll! =P

Anonymous said...

That song is gross, but funny PC. =P

Araken said...

Sick, Craig! I just ate lunch! I'll try and use the expression more often, though. I'll put it on my blog!

Nuntius said...

Fluorescent ideas... *ponders* That's creative. My music-playing is Fluorescent. And some might say I am fluorescent.

I'll see if I can use it somewhere, but I may get some odd looks, especially when I try to explain... I might end up looking more like a halogen.

Author Scott Appleton said...

Ok, maybe I'm in the minority here, but I don't like those energy-savers... Maybe it's because I've worked on and off in retail stores since I was sixteen and those bulbs produce a similar light. I find it uncomfortable... so I've stayed with the old, softer lightbulbs! ...maybe I should cringe in preparation for the blows everyone'll throw at me! (: but I'm old-fashioned!

Anonymous said...

haha i love the fluorescent idea! i will use that in my speech when i know for a fact that most people won't like what i'm about to suggest:)

Shane Deal said...

I prefer Christmas tree lights Mr. Appleton. Can't really yell at you for it.

Anonymous said...

speaking of those fluorescent lightbulbs.....something I didn't know of till a few weeks ago.
it's about the safety of them and what to do if one gets broken.
(did you know they have mercury in them?)
http : / / www. parentdish . com /2008 / 01 / 10 / fluorescent- light-bulbs- green- and- toxic /

Anonymous said...

Walter could use it for an idea/solution/something that might endanger their lives.

Bryan Davis said...

Magma, I have heard about the problem with broken fluorescent bulbs. You definitely have to handle them with care.

QI, Walter would be a great one to use the term. I'm also thinking about having Daryl, a character in my new series, use it.

Araken said...

That does sound like something Walter would say.

Mr. Davis- Before I forget, I was re-reading Circles of Seven, and I have a question that I think we would all like to know. How does the joke that Walter was telling end up? The one about the fish that loved to play golf. Thanks

Bryan Davis said...

Araken,

People who are regulars on my message forum would probably kill me if I told you the rest of that joke. They think it's such a groaner, some are probably groaning right now as they read this.

I'd better wait for others to chime in. If they aren't dead set against me telling it here, I will tell it.

Araken said...

Well, you can send it to my email, or post it on my blog.

Anonymous said...

I'm actually curious about that joke too!!! (been wondering for a long time... just didn't know if you had created an answer!!!)

Unknown said...

I want to know too!!!

Unknown said...

I say - join the message forum, then go hunting for it. There's a thread about it on there somewhere :P I, personally, don't want to relive it *groans*

And for the record, if you told it here, Mr. Davis, I wouldn't kill you, of course, but I would glare at you for a while...

And Scott ... just wait till you have to pay for your own electricity...

Roheryn said...

Me likey the idea!!!
*puts word in dictionary*

ILHY, this one knows that song! only, this one knows a slightly different version!

Black socks, they never get dirty
The longer you wear them the blacker they get!
Sometimes I think I should wash them,
But something insdie me says don't do it yet,
Not yet, not yet!


*Brett laugh*
well... if ya must, go 'head and tell the joke one last time :P

Amanda L. Davis said...

Well, it's his blog. He can say what he wants. =P

I'll probably forget to use it. It's not as platinum as quagmire, but I shall try to remember to groan heartily when you use it. ^^

Holli said...

Legossi...I almost groaned at the use of the words of the week right there.

Yes, in my mind I am groaning thinking about that joke. That was horrible.

Daryl would be perfect to use "a fluorescent idea." *grins*

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a...um..."bright" idea!:D Hey, I also had invented a term (I told your daughter about it.), and I think it applies to you...

"Dragonwriter:"
Refers to a writer who writes in the fantasy genre.

I know, I know, it sounds like "Dragon Rider." I believe we need more of those [in the Christian market], don't you agree?

Araken said...

Mr. Davis posted the joke on my blog. Trust me, you don't want to know the rest, LOL.

Levi Wolstrom said...

Please, don't tell the joke. I know it's your blog, but please spare us all!

I would expect Daryl to use the word before Walter. JF is right: she's perfect for it.

Now, how to use it in "real life"...

Anonymous said...

Oregano Oil is a fluorescent idea. It's sort of like Buckley's ("It tastes awful and it works"), but it is a more natural medicine.
I don't like it or the strong smell it gives off, but it is probably better for me than any other medicine.
Buckley's tastes delicious after trying Oregano Oil once! *shiver*
Has anyone else had it?

Author Scott Appleton said...

s.j. Did you read that post on my blog about Christmas tree lights? Or was your statement a coincidence? I LOVE Christmas tree lights... And, Connie, I understand electricity costs but I'm willing to pay a little extra to go easy on the eyes (; But, hey my Dad loves them... he thinks their a fluorescent idea.

Shane Deal said...

Scott, No I didn't check out your blog post, I don't think I've ever visited your blog.... *goes off to visit it* Must have been coincidence. :-D

I have to be careful what lights I look at. Sunlight is the absolute worse for me, I sometimes (jokingly) wonder if I'm like part orc or something, it actually hurts to be out in the daytime sometimes, it nearly always makes me extremely tired. Humm. I very much appreciate cloudy days.

Anonymous said...

on the dragonkeeper forum I kinda accidently started talking about the ending of the joke, but I couldn't remember where exactly to find it on the forum so rohY found it for me.

easiest way to not have some readers mad is to just put the linkY up and let them decide if they want to read it...
...and if they want to smack their head on the table afterward.....we're out of aspirin....:D

so if ya'll want to read the topic about the CoS joke and it's ending here's the thread webaddie!

http: / / www. dragonsin ourmidst. com/ forums/ showthread. php ? t = 380

ya'll have been warned.

Pam Halter said...

Isn't there a way to get a new expression in the dictionary?

I'll pass on to everyone. And you'll have to announce it at Mt. Hermon!

Craig Snedeker said...

quote "Craig, some people might think that idea really stinks.

Do you ever wash them out?"

yes, i wash them :D but its not that bad, i usally take them off the day after :)

Unknown said...

Yes, you should announce it both at the FCWC and Mt. Hermon! That would be funny...

That's fine, Scott. As for myself, right now, I'm prone to go with the lower electricity bill that will result from using more of the energy saving fluorescent bulbs. Especially after how much my last bill was...ouch

OH! Coming up with "fluorescent idea" was definitely platinum, Mr. Davis. But I don't think walking into a quagmire would be a very fluorescent idea, or even a bright idea! :D