They just don't make things like they used to

What’s up with the quality of products these days?

I just got back from vacation a few days ago, so I had a lot of laundry to do. I remember making a mental note that when I got back, there was something important I needed to do. I then I promptly forgot.

So anyway, I put my laundry in the wash, on cold. A little later I put it in the dryer on hot. When I went to retrieve it, I heard a clunking noise in the dryer. I looked in to see what it was, and I remembered what I forgot: Take your watch out of your shorts pocket before throwing them in the wash.

Dammit!

The thing was dead. The display was completely black.

Now, it’s not an expensive watch – I get get another for about $15. And I’ve managed not to pull this bonehead move for a couple of years, so I’ve gotten my money’s worth out of it.

But still, it had sentimental value. Somehow, I’d set it to beep every hour and never turned it off. beep beep The first time I kissed my ex, it beeped. She asked what the beeping was, and I told her I beeped when I was happy. It became a running joke in our relationship.

First time we started having sex? beep beep When we arrived at a vacation spot? beep beep Fought, then the moment we made up with a makeout? beep beep It’s such a happy sound.

But I killed it. I pulled a bonehead move and killed the beeper.

I set it on the folding table as I was folding my clothes. I new I had to throw it out, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it yet. When I was done folding, I’ll throw it out then.

beep beep

Say WHA?

Display still black, but it’s still keeping time. As it cooled, it started to display the time 88:88. I let it cool off some more, and it displayed 5:02. Fully cooled of, it’s like new again. And it’s clean!

Thank you, Radio Shack!

Cool story! Now, perhaps if you put the ex in the dryer…

Hey, there ya go! She’s small enough that she could probably fit.

Actually, I’d need to put her whole life in there, as that’s what really needs fixing.

Here

No offense but the beeping constantly thing sounds like kind of a strange compulsion. Maybe you are better off without it.

Huh? Strange compulsion? It’s a watch that beeps. And a very hearty one at that. I’m keeping it.

astro, I have that very lamp!