changing a light bulb

[sergebroom]

How many computer programmers does it take to change a light bulb?

One, normally.

Except that, when I unscrewed the closet's bulb, only the glass part came off. Since I seldom venture inside that closet, I didn't know for sure which switch position was 'off' so I went to the electrician next door. Unfortunately, he didn't have the gizmo I could insert into the socket to see whether it was on or off. I then asked him how much of a jolt I'd get if I stuck my finger in a live socket while trying to unscrew the remains of the bulb. Apparently, I'd enjoy the experience enough that I'd want to swear a blue streak, but that is something I go thru almost every day at the office so I could live with being zapped. Still, my wife wanted to be around, in case things didn't quite work out.

So the answer to the question is that it does take one programmer, plus one helpdesk person, plus someone to clean up the possible mess.

Comments

I've used

[dragonet2.livejournal.com]

a pair of pliers with an insulated handle. Grab the metal bulb base and usnscrew.

This thing appears to happen if you put a higher wattage bulb than the fixture is rated for. i think that now I've got the fluorescent bulbs it will happen less. I hope.

Re: I've used

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

I should probably get pliers like that. My neighbor had also suggested shoving a potato into the whole thing, but I was tuber-less, so I decided to risk turning into ElectroLad.

[etumukutenyak.livejournal.com]

I thought the answer was "None. That's a hardware problem." but I see you're on the way to a solution.

Oh, well. Silly me.

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

It IS a hardware problem, but sometimes tech support isn't around, or they're busy with someone else's hardware.

Like I told Dragonet above, my neighbor had suggested using a potato, but I had none. I could have tried with an onion, but I wonder if onions are non-conductors. (And if they are conductors, I might wind up hearing their ring.) Hmm... This sounds like something for the MythBusters.

[etumukutenyak.livejournal.com]

Yes, send it in to MythBusters! And make sure to wear your superhero costume too (you're now Electro Lad, right?).

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

I'm still working on the design of my outfit. I've been told that capes are quite passé. What do you think?

[etumukutenyak.livejournal.com]

NO CAPES!!!

You listen to Edna Mode, dahling, she'll have you fixed right up. No capes. No, dahling. Fire proof, stretchable, turns invisible, and does not leak, dahling.

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

You've been watching "The Incredibles" again, haven't you, Edit Head?

[etumukutenyak.livejournal.com]

For some things, once was all I needed to channel Edna Dahling. But I should get that movie out of the pile and watch it again.

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

On second thought, I may skip tights and go for the movie-Wolverine look. Leather. Does Edna approve of leather? There is also the poured-rubber look that Kate Bakingsale sportedin the Underworld movies, but they may cause problems when it's time to answer, not the Bat Signal, but instead Nature's Call.

[miltonthales.livejournal.com]

The tubers are iffy, in my experience. Insulated pliers are a better bet. If you don't have a pair of needlenose pliers, you can kill two birds with one stone and get some with insulated handles. Future needs accounted for!

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

Not only that, but insulated pliers last longer than potatoes.
("My eyes! My eyes!", said Mr. PotatoHead.)

[etumukutenyak.livejournal.com]

Lettuce not start with the veggie puns, peas?

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

Pearish the thought.

[etumukutenyak.livejournal.com]

Ah, this will be more fruitful. I will be able to apple myself with glee.

[marydell.livejournal.com]

That's what happens when you don't QA your decommission process in advance of your change window.

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

At least, when the original implementation of the project failed, there was no non-technical higher-up to panick over it - aside from my wife. ("I heard that!") I simply re-evaluated the situation and found a new solution.

[marydell.livejournal.com]

Ah, the joys of being your own boss...

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

Up to a point. After all, one can't truly be one's own boss when one is married, and... Yes, Sue? Say, what's that frying pan for?

[fledgist.livejournal.com]

The problem was that you needed a gizmo instead of a thingamajig.

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

Neither will do on the Enterprise, where the preference is to use some kind of device, whether to fight off some kind of alien, or to change some kind of lightbulb.

[fledgist.livejournal.com]

Perhaps Anathema Device, from Prattchett and Gaiman's *Good Omens*?

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

I googled that and it reminds me that, one of these days, I'm going to have to read that book.

[readinggeek451]

Yes, you should. But only on a day when you're prepared to giggle uncontrollably.

[serge-lj.livejournal.com]

I could use some giggles these days, considering the rare joys of corporate life.

[fledgist.livejournal.com]

You should. it's worth reading.