Scary!

No. I didn't take this picture. Nor did mine burn this badly.

BUT- I did have a shocking experience the other night with the microwave.

I placed my popcorn bag inside and began to check my email when I heard screech-screech-crackle and no pops! I thought it had shorted out and was going to burn this old house down! I panicked and pulled the plug as soon as the fireworks began exploding inside the oven.

I mentioned it to my Dad who suggested that some m/w popcorn bags were being infused with aluminum to aid in getting all those kernels to pop (which brings up a whole 'nother scary topic). While I couldn't find that particular article on the NY Times, I did find another very interesting site (link above) and article. And, even more scary- an article on "popcorn lung".

Should have KNOWN that it's the manufacturer and model, GE! I have never been able to get certain food items to cook properly in this microwave. I'll be putting a new microwave on the top of my wish list now! Bummer. I thought it needed to be replaced on the fact alone that the turntable had broken after the 2nd month and we were just being inconvenienced.

While I'm at it though... I intend to surf the consumer affairs site and get the low down on several of my appliances (mostly that new vacuum I purchased!) that is nothing more than a lovely red monstrosity that Wrigley thinks he adores! Yes... my dog loves the vacuum! The minute I drag it out and plug it in- he sidles up to it hoping to be stroked with the wand attachment! And, yes- the wand attachment sucks; the floor brushes leave much to be desired considering how much pet hair I have to combat.

Go enlighten yourself on all the disappointing items that are being foisted on us through the guise of lower prices. Read that- as Wal-Mart. Where all our money goes. UGH. It's hard to be a savvy consumer when there aren't any other choices but those items that were bought from the lowest-bidder. Reminds me of what the astronauts tell one another "remembering, we're sitting atop a rocket built by the lowest-bidder". Comforting? NOT.