Comments on: Ask Doug: Dealing with Husband’s Old Computer Parts

By: brenda

brenda — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:59:46 +0000

My husband holds onto smaller broken computer or appliance parts to take apart with our 5-year-old son. They get to use screwdrivers and pull things apart and see how they fit together, and we don’t have to worry about putting it all back together or making it work again… and it’s a lot less messy than their “kitchen chemistry” projects! (which always seem to devolve into cornstarch and vinegar)… my son keeps some of his favorite pieces on the shelf next to his bed, he loves to look at and hold them and show them off, the rest we throw out or recycle, guilt free.

By: Minnesotamom

Minnesotamom — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:29:46 +0000

Oh man, the Mom/Doug exchange cracked me up!
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By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:21:38 +0000

This is awesome to see Doug’s column. Doug is the coolest. I did not know he worked in a meatpacking plant. That was my dad’s first job also. To this day, I have yet to meet anyone who can carve a turkey at Thanskgiving with my dad’s skill, fervor, quickness and accuracy. He should truly be on Iron Chef. I am sure it came from that first job.
Gosh, you guys are my favorite people. I miss you kids!

By: Doug

Doug — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:06:54 +0000

Mom, I just asked myself very subtly and apparently you can toss all that stuff, no attachment detected. In fact I should probably come over and help!

Love ya!

By: Doug's mother

Doug's mother — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:32:10 +0000

Does this mean I can throw away all the stuff you still have at my house? Or do I have to subtly inquire about your attachment? Your wires are still here! Oh well, I guess I can be grateful you don’t save things like your brother does.

Love,
Mom

By: Claire St Juin

Claire St Juin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:41:31 +0000

I come from grandparents on both sides that are extraordinary hoarders, not for computer stuff but for farm machinery, cars, stuff etc. But their main reason was the great depression having such an impact on their early lives, they really were afraid to let things go ‘just in case’. This definitely has influenced my parents also…
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By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:11:26 +0000

Absolutely, it’s worth the trade but not the fight, and I think hearing “upgrade” and “wireless” is music to any man’s ears.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:05:52 +0000

Gear is Doug’s favorite word. I don’t think he can answer that question responsibly.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:03:56 +0000

I know exactly what you mean. I think all men have wires. We have several cables too, and I’m trying to corral them in one place. I can’t get rid of them myself because I don’t know what any of them are for!

By: Coach J

Coach J — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:02:17 +0000

What about boxes upon boxes of paperwork that “just might” be needed or useful someday? I don’t have a garage; I have a REALLY big filing cabinet. Sigh… But boy, do I love that man.
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