The Life of a Sears Kenmore Washing Machine, 18 months?

We have a Sears Kenmore washing machine, cost about $800 + tax, warranty one year.
First repair, a leak, at 13 months. Cost $90 +tax.
Second repair, a computer chip, at 18 months, cost $400 + tax.

A *@**!! computer chip! Why does a washing machine need a computer chip? They used to have a simple sequential timer, easy to diagnose and easily replaced when it went wrong after about 5 years, I remember. Finally at about ten or twelve years or more it would be time to replace the whole machine, and it never leaked.

Who needs programming on a washing machine? Oh, delicate fabrics they say. What proportion of the household washing load is delicate fabrics? Aren't they better done by hand anyway? The washing machine is for the grunt work and doesn't need a *!*@**%* computer chip. And I don't need $500 + tax worth of repairs before it is two years old.

I'll send this to Sears, and Frigidaire who made it, I'll post the reply if I get one.

Bob Smith
Time traveller from the twentieth century

Canada's Got Talent Looking For Fall Guys

Canada's Got Talent is coming to Toronto so I took a look at the website and read the participant agreement/release. After all, I am a good act and at my age a novelty, definitely an asset to such a show if I say so myself and, now I'm retired, I have time.

I've read a few showbiz contracts and this one takes the cake. Words like arrogance, bullying, gotcha by the balls, exploitation and slavery come to mind as I read it. And on their part a complete abrogation of any responsibility whatever for anything.

It gives them specific permission to to make secret recordings backstage or anywhere and use them to make the participant look ridiculous. It gives them permission to use the participant's name, work, pictures and videos in future broadcasts, advertising, even merchandising without compensation. And it insists on using the term participant, not performer. Performers have to be paid.

No wonder Susan Boyle blew her top. I won't be signing it, I pity anyone who does.

London Bobby
Time traveller from the twentieth century.