TRSmith
Subscriber Member
Ok, true confession time. This morning I ran across an old Kodak 5x7 paper box containing some prints I made back in 1974. Inspired by the thread that shows samples of images made with film cameras other than "M" types, I decided to try and scan a few using my cheapo Epson Perfection scanner. Which I haven't used in over 3 years.
Found the power supply cord, but not the cord to attach to the Mac. I started hunting and ended up under my workstation in the tangle of cords that have been in there since the Bronze Age.
In the process of searching for that one cord I uncovered no less than 7 AC power supply cords/transformers that were still plugged into my surge protectors but not attached to anything. None of them are labelled in any way with a product name and after unplugging and untangling them all, I have a pile of cords that attach to things that I may or may not still posses.
In one sense, I'm probably better off for the exercise since those items were all trickling a little power even though they weren't attached to anything. But now what the heck to do with them? I have an attic already littered with old and outdated computer stuff like Syquest drives, ZIP drives, CD burners, keyboards, monitors, and yes, software boxes that contain everything from 2-inch thick manuals to floppy disks!
Where does all this stuff belong? It's essentially worthless and yet I'm afraid to just throw it in the dump because A: there's some remote chance I made need it someday (doubtful); and B. Most of it seems toxic in some way. Recent reports of the ultimate destination for "green" recycling of this stuff end with horror stories of third-world countries poisoning their lands and children with our computer-related junk. Is there a safe way to dispose of this stuff?
And further, am I the only one with a dirty little secret under his computer station? Are you guys methodical and organized when you add new equipment? My M.O. is: rip open the box, plug the sucker in and get it running. Like a 10 year old at Christmas, I don't seem to pay much attention to anything except the instant gratification thing.
Tim
p.s. I never found the scanner cord I need.
Found the power supply cord, but not the cord to attach to the Mac. I started hunting and ended up under my workstation in the tangle of cords that have been in there since the Bronze Age.
In the process of searching for that one cord I uncovered no less than 7 AC power supply cords/transformers that were still plugged into my surge protectors but not attached to anything. None of them are labelled in any way with a product name and after unplugging and untangling them all, I have a pile of cords that attach to things that I may or may not still posses.
In one sense, I'm probably better off for the exercise since those items were all trickling a little power even though they weren't attached to anything. But now what the heck to do with them? I have an attic already littered with old and outdated computer stuff like Syquest drives, ZIP drives, CD burners, keyboards, monitors, and yes, software boxes that contain everything from 2-inch thick manuals to floppy disks!
Where does all this stuff belong? It's essentially worthless and yet I'm afraid to just throw it in the dump because A: there's some remote chance I made need it someday (doubtful); and B. Most of it seems toxic in some way. Recent reports of the ultimate destination for "green" recycling of this stuff end with horror stories of third-world countries poisoning their lands and children with our computer-related junk. Is there a safe way to dispose of this stuff?
And further, am I the only one with a dirty little secret under his computer station? Are you guys methodical and organized when you add new equipment? My M.O. is: rip open the box, plug the sucker in and get it running. Like a 10 year old at Christmas, I don't seem to pay much attention to anything except the instant gratification thing.
Tim
p.s. I never found the scanner cord I need.
