To Ott or not to Ott?

Uh, Miz Polly? If you genuinely do not know the origins of that phrase may I suggest that you probably do not want to, and might want to strongly consider dropping it from your conversation. It would likely be considered wildly offensive in the wrong company. I know it always makes me growl a little even when I know it is not being used in an ill intentioned way.

Now here is a tip on Ott lamps, if you go out and buy a replacement bulb you can fit it into a like wattage halogen lamp of any sort. The bulb is the thing. I have an end-of-clearance $3 desk style halogen lamp that is sporting a $25 bought at the art store 13 watt ott bulb. Works just fine for all that the bulb cost 8 times what the lamp did. You just have to look at the bulb you want to put in the lamp and make sure you get a lamp with the right socket thingie.

NightMist

Hey there neighbor

have you ever thought of trying one of the new spiral bulbs. Not the ones that cast the yellow light. The ones called "daylight bulbs" They cast a white light. They work great in the evening reading the newspaper and quilting magazines. Found them at home depot.

Kate T. South Mississippi

There are several fine suggestions already. I just checked at Joann and they have a 40% off sale on their Ott lamps.

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

There's an Ott floor lamp beside my SM and don't even think about trying to take it away from me. But . . . I am blessed a couple of times a week with a friend or two who come and stitch with me for Newborns in Need. The 'guest' SM has a dismal, cute, trendy, pretty much worthless pole lamp beside it. I'm thinking it would be 'mighty white' (wonder where that expression came from?) of me to buy another Ott for the dear folks who join in here. My question ( do I ever get to the point?) is: Has anyone found something just as great as the Ott at a better price - or - found the best price for an Ott? Polly

I have been using the Reveal light bulbs in my lamps and the light is good, white light. Joann's had a set of an Ott floor and table lamp for under $100 in a flyer a month or so back. Seemed a pretty good price. The deal will probably be back. I nosed around for references to 'mighty white'. Dirty Harry movie, Lone Ranger and slaves all seem to be associated with it. Nothing very definitive though. Maybe someone else can do a better job than I can. Taria

Polly I have an "Ott" bulb (may be a different brand, but I think it is Ott) in an architects lamp by my sewing machine. Difficult to remember the brand because it was well worth the price I paid for it ($30???) probably about 10 years ago. I did pick up some replacement bulbs, to have on hand, a few years ago. So, look into finding the bulbs to put into that pole lamp and it will work well.

Pati, in Phx

Polly, NM is right about the origins of that phrase. The implication is that the infamous 'N' word is in play and that your actions would be the opposite of the actions of those to whom that infamous word would apply. I know, nobody ever explained that. Now I hear all kinds of people using the phrase 'like white on rice' and wonder if they don't understand the origins of that saying, which are very similar and have little to nothing to do with the color of rice in general or specific. Just sayin'.

As for Ott light bulbs ... I can't use them, but love the Reveal lights for their good, soft white light.

Sunny My southern roots run deeper than kudzu

I looked around some more for this one.

found some references to asian women and white men.I don't see anything relating to other races. I have noticedanything with any words relating to colors are often takenup as racist even when that isn't the intention. The yellowline in LA last year is a good example.Taria

Sometimes it is not the origins, nor the intentions behind what you say, it is how somebody takes it. When more people take it badly than take it as you might have meant, it is time to find a different thing to say. It does vary regionally as to how folk might take a thing, that is part of what makes travel interesting. My DH grew up with that phrase in common usage and never thought about using it. Until the day he used it when talking to a black man. He got himself an earful and a half. I tell you true, it is a darn good thing for him that that happened in my presence and I got to see his bewilderment and then dawning understanding, because otherwise I never would have gone out with him when he finally asked.

Now his people did give him some phrases I am rather fond of. I kind of like "Colder than the great blue balls of Pluto!" for example. He likes "Himmel und pancaka!"(1), and "Lache pas la patate!"(2) from my side.

Links talking about the original phrase in question:

?term=mighty%20white%20of%20you

NightMist

(1) A Pennsylvania expressi> I looked around some more for this one.

snipped-for-privacy@k10g2000prh.googlegroups.com...

Polly, I have 2 'decorator' style halogen lamps. They are absolutely wondeful. I've had one for 20 years beside my 'hand work' chair in the LR and thinking that one was on it's last legs, purchased another as close as possible. Both have infinite adjustabililty. They take 'plain old' halogen bulbs available from any hardward/big box store. The one in my 'hand work' chair has been replaced ONCE in 20 years. It has both a high and low setting. The other one has a variable intensity adjustment. I don't think either lamp was more than $20. The second is probably 10 years old so factor in for inflation. Fabulous lighting. I wouldn't be without either one and wouldn't spend my money on an 'OTT' just for the name. Biggest thing to remember with halogen bulbs is to NOT get the oils from your skin on the bulbs. Insert new bulbs by holding them with a tissue or paper towel. The oils on your skin reduce the lifespan of the bulb. Just my 2 cents...

Kim in NJ

who hasn't been online much due to housebreaking an 8 wk. old puppy who hasn't learned to sleep through the night yet!

Good idea! And to add to this - there are non-OTT brand style bulbs available (I got a replacement for mine at Canadian Tire (I'm not sure what the American equivalent store would be).

Allison

You should look for a full-spectrum light. I think that's what makes the difference. There are other brands than Ott out there and they are often less money. Or wait for Ott to go on sale someplace. I have a full-spectrum Ott look-alike that I bought on sale at Hancock Fabrics for about $25. It's $49.99 when not on sale . The Ott version is on sale at JoAnn's now for $53.99 . OfficeMax has a look-alike full-spectrum for $19.99 .

Target and K-mart also have full-spectrum lamps for much less than the Ott lights. Or you might consider simply replacing the bulbs in your pole lamp with some nice full-spectrum bulbs, such as the Reveal brand. It will make a difference.

Julia in MN

Re: "mighty white":

Julia > There's an Ott floor lamp beside my SM and don't even think about trying

Thank you all. I guess full spectrum was the name I was needing. It's such a lovely light. I was just SO tickled to hear Charles Krauthammer muttering recently about "how many does it take to change a light bulb?" and his reply included how many, eight I think, to help the 'changer' put on the haz mat suit. ( I don't know how to spell that but you know what I mean.) Polly

I'd get a high CRI (Color Rendition Index) compact fluorescent bulb or a Reveal incandescent bulb and pop it in your current lamp. Much, much cheaper than Ott lights and as good or better.

The Ott lights have CRIs of 90+, which is excellent, but they're not the only game in town. Color temp is about 5500oK, fairly blue light.

You may do best by going to a real "lighting showroom" or lighting supplier for bulbs, but I am noticing better bulbs showing up in the big box stores now.

Here are some "fer instances":

Kay