It's time to verify or debunk this myth.  The usual conspiracy theory goes: light bulbs were originally made to last for up to 70 years (!) but the companies quickly realised that they wouldn't make much of a profit with a product that lasts so long.  So they were made to self-destruct much faster.
123734
false, but the rumor probably started I believe one of Edison's bulbs is still burning in Menlo park (his lab).\n\nIt's never been turned off, which helps it last longer.
562599
-j is correct.\nBulb 64 is ON at the end (changed 7 times by persons 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64).\nThe 10 light bulbs that are ON at the end were changed an odd number of times, which are light bulbs 1 (changed 1 time), 4 (3 times), 9 (3 times), 16 (5 times), 25 (3 times), 36 (9 times), 49 (3 times), 64 (7 times), 81 (5 times) and 100 (9 times).
54137
They want to be really sure it's out before the go to all the trouble of figuring out how to change it.  Some kinds of fluorescent lights will sometimes come back for a few minutes if you to that, though.\n\n_____\nThe previous answer explains why the would turn it off and then on, but the question asks about on and then off :-P
230065
no, it lasted for almost 80!! years before they all agreed. Look it up.
215147
either your teacher is nuts or you probably know more about this than us. the bulb has to be a vacuum, and making a glass vacuum requires better equipment than most people have access to.
625260
This is a perfect question for the section called 'corporations'.\n\nThe answer is 'NO'. Even though you leave the light switch on, the burned out bulb breaks the circuit and uses no electricity.
622604
At work we just got motion sensitive switches.  If there isn't any movement for so long, the lights turn themselves off.  Saves a bunch on electricity.  Of course they automatically turn themselves back on when we walk through.
45601
Yes, yes, yes, yes..!!! Scientists have stopped light.\n\nThe details of when, where and how are here ---\nhttp://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2002/27Mar_stoplight.htm\n\nhttp://physicsweb.org/articles/world/14/9/8
548926
someone invented an alternative to petrol,  the companys  bought his idea out to keep it secrte,  lightbulb was invented  that  never  burnt out, once again, same scernario,  beef is unhealthy?   lol   dont be silly, {says  those in power} put it this way, ive been veggy 20 years!!
219653
Actually, they do expire due to radioactive decay.  Usually, they are dismantled and disposed of.
540116
I have had mine for two Christmas' and I love it!!!!  I can't imagine putting up lights again.  It's very simple and your tree should come with extra lights and also a source listed on the manual where to buy replacement bulbs.  If you are going to buy one, do invest on a pricier one.  You get what you pay for.  But what I would do is go with your old tree or a real one this year and wait until after Christmas when everything Holiday goes on huge sale, then you can get a really good one and not feel like you got ripped off for a tree.  That's what I did and I love it!!!
633986
Actually, the government really ISN'T the problem in this case. Nor is it the Auto Industry, or even Big Oil. The problem here is the consumer. Us. The vast majority of us want big cars that go fast, lots of lights in out huge homes, and to throw away everything and buy new things. Most people don't really care that this lifestyle cannot be sustained. They just want that 68" TV. Until the consumers change, nothing else will.
489873
I think it was made available to ordinary people in the 1960's as an interesting lighting effect.  Some flourescent paints used on psychedelic posters were made sensitive to "black light", so when you turned on a black light bulb in a dark roolm, you got a really trippy poster.\nAh, the colours, the colours.  Has anyone seen my good friend John?
285280
According to the Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA), CD-R discs have a long lifespan:\n\n"Lifetime estimation of any storage medium is a very complex and statistics-based process. Improper testing or measurement procedures can seriously impact and compromise lifetime estimates. ANSI Committee IT-9 is currently developing comprehensive guidelines for CD-ROM and CD-R life estimation. The CD-R media manufacturers have performed extensive media longevity studies using these industry-defined tests and mathematical modeling techniques, with results claiming longevity from 70 years to over 200 years. The primary caveat is how you handle and store the media. With proper handling and storage, your CD-Rs will outlive you."
442033
Hi there. I have sold Partylite candles for 6 years. May be of some help. We always use the hour for every inch in diameter. If the candle is 3 inches around, let it burn for 3 hours or longer. Do you know how wide? That should help give you an estimated time?!
430335
It goes back to the olden days where teles were powered by shite, roughly a decent size turd would power the tele for 3 days. Until the companies decided they could make money by charging 50p to watch your tele and so all the new teles were fitted with a component which wouldn't allow teles to be powered by shite anymore. Oh ... if you come across a shite powered tele 1 could easily fetch up to 2 grand on E-bay.
158211
Thomas Edison - invented the light bulb in 1879.