"Generally you don't see that kind of behavior in a major appliance." Ghostbusters - Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray)

     I've read and heard that many things don't work well in Uruguay -  tales of  water heaters purchased here lasting only a month and lawnmowers lasting a week.  Of course, I dispelled those tales with much disbelief and suspicion of the story-tellers.  Ha!  I am officially one of the story-tellers now.
     I am of the notion that rejects from every product-testing facility in the world ends up for sale here in Uruguay.  It's not just items that are made in China (of which there are many).  Our entertainment last night (since we couldn't watch the Super Bowl) was the Lightbulb Game.  After experiencing lightbulb failure time and again with brand new lightbulbs, we played a guessing game, guessing which country produced ours. My husband gave me 5 guesses, then 15, then 25, before he took pity on my brain.  The answer:  GE lightbulbs made in ----- HUNGARY!  Huh??
     Lightbulbs are one thing; noise level is another.  Our brand new Whirlpool refrigerator (yes, made in China) is the loudest refrigerator on Planet Earth; when the compressor shuts off, we all take a deep sigh of relief.  The refrigerator has nothing on the stove exhaust fan however.  In fact, a small airplane taking off from our porch would be quieter.   
     Not functioning at all is a common occurrence.  In six short months we can sadly report failures from the following new items:  a coffee maker, a gas oven (twice), an electric heater, several light fixtures, Direct TV, a security system, and last, but not least:  our toilet and its multiple, broken seats.  Infinite patience is required...