The Straggler: I Sing the Hobby Electric

THE STRAGGLER

MY wife, a very frugal person, ever on the lookout for household savings, recently instructed me that we must unplug all electric devices when we are not using them. What, the TV? Yes, the TV. Computers? Yes, computers. The standard lamps? Yes, the standard lamps. Apparently she had read something in a magazine about how much electricity appliances use when standing idle. I am not sure she got it right, though.

About the Author

John Derbyshire

Mr. Derbyshire is a former contributing editor of National Review.

THE STRAGGLER

MY wife, a very frugal person, ever on the lookout for household savings, recently instructed me that we must unplug all electric devices when we are not using them. What, the TV? Yes, the TV. Computers? Yes, computers. The standard lamps? Yes, the standard lamps. Apparently she had read something in a magazine about how much electricity appliances use when standing idle. I am not sure she got it right, though.