The anal retentive in me is fastidious about making sure burned out lightbulbs are immediately replaced (with the exception of the ones in the bathroom). About two weeks ago the lightbulb in the dryer died. I decided not to get anal about it. I really didn't understand what purpose the light inside of the dryer served. I can rationalize the need for a light inside of the oven. I want to see my food burn to a crisp. I know the idea of the light in the oven is to keep me from opening the door and losing heat, only the window that is designed gives such a crappy view inside that opening the oven is necessary.

The light inside of the fridge is important because it's nice to see what's inside late at night and I don't want to turn the main kitchen lights on because if I do you'll go blind from the sudden intensity of brilliant light after being in the dark.

When I buy a phone I make sure it has a back-lit phone pad. I reason that it is important to be able to see the numbers in the dark. There may be need to dial 911.

I'm not sure why the microwave has a light. If it were to go away I probably wouldn't notice it. The same with the dryer. It's not like I sneak down into the basement at late hours to grab clothes out of it. Going into the basement is not something I could navigate in the dark so I always turn the lights on.

So it occurred to me maybe I should take the light bulb out and see how much the replacement would cost. Specialty bulbs for appliances aren't cheap and I was curious to find out how much "enlightenment" in my dryer would cost. I reach in to snap off the cover only to find that there is a screw holding the cover in place. I peer inside. It's dark in there! I'm going to need a light to see the screw! In a flashful insight of pure genius, I figured out the meaning and purpose of the dryer lightbulb! It exists to allow you to see that screw so you can unscrew it to change the lightbulb! Alas! Mine is burned out! A conundrum was born!

Yes, I could take a flashlight down there and use it. Or I could just forget about the light. It's too much like work to fiddle with the darn thing anyway.