@washman
(*Off-topic*)
Precisely the reason why CFL bulbs and Fluorescent lights in general are being phased out/being made "Mercury Free."
Unfortunately, this has the negative effect of making older fixtures, such as Rapid-Start and Semi-Resonant-Start (SRS) fixtures, using the fat T12 bulbs obsolete, since they are damn near impossible to start with T8 or T5 tubes.
We have Rapid-Start lamps in our bathrooms - the ones with T5 tubes get very "finicky" in humid weather, presumably due to a poor ground. When the A/C is on or in Winter, they are great. Its so nice having "instant on" lights - no flashing fixtures, no delays in light.
Unfortunately, government meddling that deems the old bulbs "un-safe"(and the ballasts "in-efficient") is ruining this convenience. Rapid-Start fixtures can continue to light Fluro tubes that a Pre-Heat fixture is unable to start.
The ones we used to have in the hallway needed to be used for several hours weekly to ensure they would function correctly, and they were of the Rapid-Start type. Using the T12 tubes certainly helped them though - the "Eco" tubes (typically 24w with the Green cap) were effectively USELESS, and cycling the light switch was necessary to strike the lamp.
Even the new LED lamps contain materials that simply cannot be dumped like an Edison lamp: They contain electronic circuitry to run the lamp, which contains heavy metals and stuff that is "too valuable." Halogen lamps save lots of energy, and aren't harmful to the environment.