Recently Republicans in Congress saved the Incandescent light bulb from "extinction" when regulations were about to go into effect that would have required higher efficiency standards for light bulbs, which would have led to the reduction in incandescent bulb production and purchases.  Thanks to the general lack of an informed/non-partisan media, there are still some myths about the debate.  This is to help clear all the confusion.

Myth: CFL's bulbs are ugly.

Fact: Incandescent bulbs aren't pretty.  No one has ever looked at an incandescent bulb and remarked, "What a marvelous looking bulb!"  In addition, no one ever looks at their light bulbs, or at the light bulbs in another house.  In fact, light bulbs are probably the least looked at item in a home because they are fucking bright and hurt to stare at.

Myth: CFL's cost more than incandescent bulbs.

Fact: While the initial cost of CFL's is higher than typical incandescent bulbs, the actual cost for price and usage for CFL's is lower as they use much less electricity than incandescent bulbs.   Additionally, CFL's last for much longer periods of time.   The price of CFL's has dropped substantially over the years since they came out over a decade ago, and will continue to drop as LED lighting starts becoming more popular.   CFL bulbs are also hardly the only thing that intially costs more than its competition.  It is common for quality items to cost more upfront, but then lead to better performance and longer lasting life span, like... well... anything else you can buy.  You refuse to buy a $30 shirt because you can get a real cheap one for $4?

Myth: CFL's aren't as bright as incandescent bulbs.

Fact: You could say that about anything.  My flashlight isn't as bright as my car's headlights.  It's comparing apples to oranges.  Lumen to lumen, there is no difference between brightness, as lumens measure the brightness of a bulb.  So compare the lumens, ie look at what you are actually buying, and the CFL bulbs will be dimmer, equivalent, or brighter based on the type of CFL bulb you get.   Do you go to the grocery store and get a package of ground beef without looking at the fat content?

Myth: CFL's are inferior to incandescent bulbs.

Fact: What is this, 2000?  There are dimmable CFL's, three setting CFL's, small CFL's, big CFL's, outdoor CFL's.  Turn off Fox News, go to the store, get some CFL's and save some bloody money already on your electric bill!  You'll bitch and moan about paying higher taxes, but will screw yourself in spite by refusing to enter the 21st century and get energy efficient, longer lasting CFL's.

I hope this clears up any misconceptions about CFL bulbs.