Make:

Home Comforts

Reviewed by Arwen O'Reilly
http://www.simonsays.com/content/book.cfm?tab=1&pid=506388&er=9780743272865
$20

My mom gave me a copy of this book when I moved into my first apartment, and I've carted it around with me ever since. While it looks like a Martha Stewart knock-off from the cover, the real story is told in the subtitle: "the art and science of keeping house." Written by a law professor with a secret fetish for domestic order, it literally covers everything to do with keeping your house ship shape. No task is too small or seemingly too obvious (and after author Cheryl Mendelson gets through with it, the obvious always turns out to be dizzyingly complex). It's a fascinating read, and a great reference; by the time you're through with the subject you looked up, you truly do understand both the art and the science behind it.

Kevin Kelly has a great review of it on his Cool Tools site, too.

Discussion

Saving Electricity

Reviewed by Sig Hafstrom
http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/


I just stumbled across this site in the pursuit of answering the question "Why is my electric bill so high?" and really like how utterly accessible and easy to understand it is.

Discussion

Unclutterer

Reviewed by Arwen O'Reilly
http://unclutterer.com


While the writers on this great organization blog can sometimes be scarily fanatical about cleaning clutter, it's still a fantastic resource. It has posts on everything from clearing out your garage to organizing your desktop (computer or otherwise) to the psychological impact of clutter. Worth a glance to see what the latest posts are, but be sure to search around the site for past posts as well.

Discussion

Loctite Stick

Reviewed by Alan Kalb
http://www.loctiteproducts.com
$15

I can't live without Loctite threadlocker stick (medium strength — blue color). I put one of these in every toolbox I own, and I own several. Rarely do I ever tighten a nut or bolt without this stuff.

Discussion

Recycling Electronics for Free

Reviewed by Arwen O'Reilly
http://lifehacker.com/369199/recycle-electronics-for-free-by-mail


Wow! Just noticed this great post about free electronics recycling on Lifehacker.

From the blog post: "The program, which allows you to discard your used electronics in an environmentally friendly manner, provides free envelopes in 1,500 post offices to handle everything from inkjet cartridges to cell phones and MP3 players. The postage-paid Mail Back envelopes are located in post office lobbies, and you can take as many as you want for free. Currently the pilot program supports 10 areas, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., but could go nationwide this fall if the trial is successful."

This is fantastic news for those of us that are never quite sure of the best way to recycle old electronics. Cross your fingers that they expand the program, and if you live in one of the pilot cities, try it out and let me know how it goes! It's interesting to see the post office try creative ways to raise funds (while doing good for the planet).

Discussion

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