http://www.househacker.com/ househacker/tags/handy
...outfitted with a lens ring that emits a bright glow in the dark. The new generation photoluminescent material in the plastic absorbs the energy from any light source - fluorescent lights, the sun, or even the flashlight's own beam

As useful as charging the photoluminescent matierial on the flashlight with the beam from the flashlight itself sounds, one might be better off storing the flashlight in the garage rather than a broom closet to expose the material to some light, both natural and artificial, during the day. The description suggests the material is 'new generation' - and it would have to be, as the stuff found in toys and trinkets never lasted long enough for any practical purpose. Perhaps Pelican used something along the lines of this material that is both brighter and longer lasting.

Something to think about before the next late night power outage.

Amazon.com link: Pelican Big ED 3700PL Flashlight w/ Photo Luminescent Shroud

]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Pelican-Emergency-Flashlight-with-Photoluminescence Cydus' has addressed the dearth of residential RFID access controllers in the marketplace by releasing a pair of modern electronic deadbolts. The locks operate as you may expect RFID proximity access controllers to, however, this unit, the MyKey 2300, unfortunately requires that a button be pressed before the unit is ready to read the keychain RFID tag. The higher end unit, the 4000, only requires the card to be in close proximity to the reader for activation. Besides it's raison d'etre; the convenience of keyless entry through small RFID cards, the deadbolts have some interesting features, including this backup battery system in case the unit's batteries die:

Simply touch a 9v battery to the built-in battery terminal and your MyKey 2300 is up and running. The MyKey even stores all of your existing security keys, so even if it's without power, when you turn it back on your access cards and pin combination are fully intact!

Lost or forgotten RFID cards aren't the end of the world either, as the unit comes equipped with a nicely hidden keypad for which to enter your password.

See also: RFID Enabling your front door. This is a homemade RFID entrance controller with a PC backend. The author shares a parts list, source code and cost breakdown (see author's comments ).

Previously: DIR RFID Access to your Front Door
]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Cydus-Home-RFID-Deadbolts
Via Fepy.com]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Consumer-Reports-Air-Conditioner-Power-Calculator video (Windows media) from the Free Hand site.

Available from Amazon.com.

Via the always interesting Smart Stuff.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Clever-Hands-Free-Drywall-Installation-Tool ZigBee wireless communication protocol. The system's base station offers internet connectivity that allows for remote monitoring, and the device can also be configured to issue status updates through email or text messages to the homeowner's cell phone.

The system is built in a modular fashion, meaning the device can couple with many different types of (Home Heartbeat) sensors, as they become available. From the site:

The backbone of the Home Heartbeat system is a network of detection sensors: water sensors, open/closed sensors, power sensors, reminder and attention sensors. The sensors can alert the homeowner to a wide range of problems, including pipe leaks and flooding, opened doors and windows, and appliances that are left on. An additional feature is a water shut-off valve that can be controlled and activated by any of the sensors. Reminder and attention sensors can be set to alert homeowners about easy-to-forget tasks, such as changing batteries in smoke detectors or cleaning out the gutters.

According to Fast Company, the basic starter unit offers only one sensor as well as the base unit and keychain and will retail for $149 US. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Home-Heartbeat-Awareness-System equity elevation than to sloth and physical fitness, but of course that might just be the jealousy talking.

If you've convinced yourself that a luxury home elevator is the true benchmark of luxury, then here are a few manufacturers that would be quite willing to set you up:

• Concord Elevator
• ThyssenKrupp
• Acme Home Elevators
• Inclinator.com
• Residential Elevators Inc. Motto: 'Just say no! - to stairs'. lol
• Dayton Elevator

If you want, you can design your future elevator cab yourself.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Design-your-own-Luxury-Home-Elevator these foam eavestrough fillers, mind you), to giving your dishwasher a tuneup to silencing squeaky floors. They've also offered a list of the regular maintenance tasks that every homeowner should follow.

]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Quick-Home-Repairs-from-Popular-Mechanics http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Consistent-Garage-Parking-with-Laser-Parking-Helper http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Invisiwire-Super-Thin-Adhesive-CAT5-Cabling http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Protect-Yourself-with-this-Bedside-Table Fleur de Lys and the next could be the Bull. Go crazy! The tutorials walk the reader through each step with clear illustrations and directions. As a bonus, all the folds are rated for difficulty (simple to hard), so you'll know where to begin.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Great-Site-with-Fancy-Napkin-Folding-Tutorials http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Great-Page-of-Home-Equity-and-Mortgage-Calculators The Cooking Blog has an excellent list of tips and tricks for making life easier in the kitchen. Pros may know a lot of these already, but clever tips like: "Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips" are sure to be new to many, if not most, of the kitchen novices among us.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Great-List-of-Kitchen-Tips-and-Tricks

Behr's ColorSmart
Probably the best paint selector. Paint simulation looks the most realistic. Behr allows searches by paint name or number and automatically coordinates colors to match. Program enables users to paint individual walls. Includes a nice 'Inspiration library'.

Benjamin Moore's Personal Color Viewer
Benjamin Moore's app presents the user with multiple rooms to choose from, as well as the unique selectable specialty finishes. Has a standard color slider selector, and is pre-loaded with some color combinations. Not bad, but not great.

Sherwin-Williams
Chose between interior and exterior paint jobs. Multiple room or home types to chose from. The automatic coordinating of color types is nice. Some drag and drop action.

Sico Not that dynamic. Allows the change of one entire wall (only) and trim. Gives a good idea of how a room's feel is altered with different paint colors, but could be more functional.

Debbie Travis
Multiple rooms to chose from, but clicking a color changes the one and only dynamic wall in the picture (i.e. user is not able to select individual walls). Very straightforward and too basic.

]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Roundup-of-Online-Paint-Selector-Apps http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Useful-Flash-Room-Planner Quooker sells a nice looking product that produces instant boiling water, straight from the tap. The faucet draws the boiling water from an insulated tank mounted underneath the counter, where water is heated to 110°C. As the water flows from the faucet, it cools to 100°C. Quooker says that the unit's energy consumption is "next to nothing" in standby mode. I wonder if it would melt one of these.

Caution! The boiling water you are about to enjoy is hot...]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Instant-Boiling-Tap-Water