I’d like to take a moment a list a few things that I’ve concluded are just not worth the bother anymore. Frustratingly, for most of these, I have to bother anyway.

Desks without cable management

Okay, okay, I know, some desks never have electronics on them. I just don’t know of any personally. It’s a few extra bucks, sure, but I’d be willing to pay for it. What I’m not willing to pay for is a high-end desk just so I can get a feature that many, if not most, desks need. Aside from the clutter that cables around normal desks cause and the ad-hoc management–and slightly less ugly separate “wire managers”–cables are safety hazhards. If they’re inside the the cable path built into the desk, the problem can largely disappear.

And let’s note that desks ought to have at least an intended place for at least one surge protector (I’d prefer one included), and that means space for a protector that gives enough space between the plugs to accomodate the coverters. Speaking of which…

Power bricks

Seriously, if one of the selling points of so many electronic items today is low space and portability, massive power converters (different for each one) defeat the purpose. Okay, yes, I understand the converters are needed, and I understand that I’m not an electrical engineer and no doubt what I’m asking is difficult. And you know what? I don’t care.

Non childproof electric sockets

Sorry, I guess I’m on an electric kick. But that kick makes sense. We’re an electricity centric society, but we keep banging our collective heads against the accessories. Every building has sockets, but they’re treated as afterthoughts. All new residences, at least, should be required to have childproof sockets installed (pick your preferred method). Why can’t we simplify safety a bit? I mean, the LATCH system can be a pain on occassion, but it’s there, in just about every car. I appreciate that. Why can’t we do that for our homes? (Actually, I think there may be some childproofing with the power sockets in the home my family just moved into. So maybe this is happening.)

CRLF

By which I mean Windows style newlines. I’m just saying.

Lack of clarity about how long to keep financial records

I realize Congress’ power to regulate commerce…among the several states has been thoroughly abused. But how about defining how long financial records need to be kept? Ask Google this question, get a thousand answers. And always with the “but your state may have different requirements.” Let’s make it clear and make it known to every high schooler.

College education

Yeah, I have another article maybe coming about this. I will clarify that a college education is beneficial to many, including me. But not to the extent that it’s marketed. More important is that the culture around college largely prohibits just going to a few classes to learn, whenever.

Weak Conclusion

Hey, I have a blog. I can use it to randomly complain, right?