Gazette series to explore how long the things we need (and want) last

On Sunday, July 11, The Gazette starts a week-long series that explores how long we can count on the things that help us live in the 21st century.

Reporters, photographers, graphic artists and editors have been working on this project in an effort to answer two symbiotic questions that perplex us: how long do things last, and why?

Although gadgets are part of the series we're talking about more than just them. The series will cover a variety of items that have a finite lifespan, including: health procedures, household items such as your refrigerator, cars on which we depend, sporting goods that help us play, and food that nourishes us until it spoils.

OK, one teaser, but I'm taking this from Cindy Hadish's Monday, July 12 story: false teeth last about 10 years. Want to know why? Check her story Monday, which also tells you the lifespan of other items that include hearing aids, laser eye surgery and digital thermometers.

Sunday's page 1 story by Dave DeWitte will explore whether companies plan the obsolescence of the products you buy. Subsequent stories will run this week in the Accent, Money and Sports sections.

Interestingly, I was listening to Cedar Rapids guitarist Craig Erickson while writing this column. The music was from one of his older CDs, Shine.

Yes,

CD technology. Seems I'm in need of

yet another upgrade.