Dear Electricity, I Love You. Love, GE

General Electric has declared today Lighting Appreciation Day, apparently without consulting, well, anyone. We even checked our calendars, but to no avail; the date wasn't marked. But, lo, it is on this press release. 

The event will honor the anniversary of Thomas Edison's successful testing of the first commercial light bulb, and also, the release of what GE calls a breakthrough in LED lighting. The worldwide, multibillion-dollar corporation is asking for global denizens to spend the day pondering just what lighting means to them. Did you hear that, Uganda? Nicaragua? No, not candles, Myanmar, electricity.

In the midst of a global energy crisis, and a national economic one, this may not be the best time to celebrate what the utilities provide. But  in fairness, possible contrary evidence exists: Look how happy these brave little appliances are!

Some 1.6 billion people worldwide live completely without electricity. Even in Southern California, some families are beginning to find it necessary to live off the electrical grid. But don't let those sob stories deter you from celebrating. Suggested activities from GE include, but are not limited to: 1) thinking about electricity, 2) talking about electricity, 3) tweeting a photo of your favorite electrical appliance, and 4) using electricity.

Actually, that last one was our own inclusion, but we're sure GE wouldn't disagree. Here are some more ideas we thought of: 1) Turn off your lights. 2) Turn off your television. 3) Turn off your heater. 4) Exit your house and go for a walk.

--Ronny Smith