4 ways to protect your devices from hackers

In an increasingly digital world, consumers share their confidential information in so many ways. From online shopping to online banking, consumers’ personal information is being recorded in a frightening number of different places.

Storage solutions for shop, home and job sites

Bringing order to a daily routine often requires creative solutions. Let Woodcraft lend some assistance with handy products for storage and transport that make organizing shops, kitchens, bathrooms, craft rooms, and even job sites that much simpler.

3 ways to improve headlights for safer nighttime driving

Many motorists find it more difficult to drive at night than during the daytime. Drivers may fear nighttime driving because they feel their comfort levels behind the wheel are compromised when the sun goes down.

Headlamp safety at the core of new campaign

To many motorists, “vehicle maintenance” means oil changes every 3,000 miles and weekly trips to the car wash. But there’s more to maintaining a vehicle than keeping it looking good on the road and tending to what’s under the hood.

Color a new home décor with a fresh coat of paint

Today’s paint products offer homeowners the flexibility to easily change the look and “feel” of a room — or a houseful of rooms, including walls, cabinets, furniture, accessories and trim items — by changing the color of a painted surface or adding paint to achieve a decorative effect.

Top ways you might be wasting your money

Many consumers waste money every day without even noticing it. Yet, rethinking our habits could provide savings that add up quickly over time. Here is a list of the top ways we waste money. Are there any areas where you could improve?

How to ensure a successful basement remodel

Americans continue to fuel remodeling spending across the country, driven by upward growth in real estate prices and the rising cost to trade up to a larger home.

Now anyone can build a disaster-resilient home

The calamities caused by extreme weather could be better controlled with stepped-up storm prediction, better citizen preparedness and by the ongoing ingenuity of the building sector, say observers in the field of climate change.

Construction Quick Tip: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient materials

Segments of the home-building industry indicate they are up to the challenge of improving occupant safety. This is welcomed assurance seeing that weather extremes now seemingly occur in every season and are bringing far more intensified blasts of wind, rain, heat, drought, ice and snow.

Construction Quick Tip: Choose concrete walls for severe storm safety

How would you like your home to be built with wind impact-resistance up to 250 miles per hour? Inquiries for this option are increasing on a daily basis, says Nudura, a leading name in the production of insulated concrete forms (ICFs).

Build your home guided by eco-responsibility

Improved practices in the construction industry today reflect the greening of building codes across North America. This proactivity is highlighted by advancements in window daylighting, insulation, air infiltration, and new wall-building materials.

Ensure a more enjoyable winter indoors with simple soundproofing solutions

As the weather gets colder, Americans inevitably spend more time indoors. If you’re sharing a space with an excitable toddler, an aspiring rock musician or a TV enthusiast with a penchant for loud volumes, peace and quiet may seem increasingly elusive.

Top 5 renovation tips to create more space in your home

As real estate prices continue to climb, the cost to trade up to a larger home is on the upswing across the country, especially as markets remain hampered by tight inventory levels. As a result, more and more Americans are choosing to renovate their current homes instead of relocating.

Maximize fall and winter energy savings with simple tips

As temperatures decrease during the fall and winter months, energy usage and costs tend to climb. These five energy-saving tips for your home will ensure the comfort of your family and your wallet.

5 simple ways to increase energy efficiency and savings

Fall and winter can be tough on your home and your wallet. As temperatures drop, chances are your furnace will be working overtime. This results in two things — greater energy consumption and higher heating bills.

How to insulate your home against a deadly fire

As fire prevention awareness efforts gear up across North America, the National Fire Protection Association and insulation company, Roxul Inc., are spreading the word to Americans from coast to coast about the importance of fire preparedness.

Get your home fall- and winter-ready with 5 simple projects

If boots, a warm hat and a tuned-up snow blower are the only items on your winter preparation list, your home maintenance plan may need a makeover. These simple home maintenance projects can help lower your energy bills, prevent more costly repairs and/or increase the lifespan of your home.

How drivers can enhance nighttime visibility

Many drivers are considerably less comfortable driving at night than during the day. Even though roads tend to be less congested when the sun goes down, reduced visibility at night can compromise the safety of drivers and their passengers.

How to get the most bang for your automotive buck

Automobiles are more expensive than ever before. According to auto researcher Kelley Blue Book, the average transaction price of a new car or truck sold in the United States in April of 2015 was $33,560.

Four easy tips for a basement makeover

The start of a new season is the perfect time to check some tasks off of your “to-do” list — whether it’s to get in shape or tackle at-home projects. If you’re planning on making some simple but effective changes at home, here are some tips on how to give your basement a total 180-degree makeover.

Achieve the ideal sound experience at home

Advancements in digital technology over the years mean that almost anyone can own a home theatre or music room or build a recording studio in their home. When you’re planning your project, there are a number of elements that will make the difference between good and great sound.

Consider moisture issues when choosing insulation

We insulate our homes primarily to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As a result, most of us evaluate insulation based on its thermal properties, which is definitely important to consider.

Five ways to increase home fire safety

An average of seven Americans die each week as a result of house fires. Most fires occur in residential buildings between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when occupants are most likely to be asleep. Your first line of defense is fire preparedness.

Be prepared when seconds count: Renovate for fire safety

A National Fire Prevention Association study reported that, on average, seven Americans die in a residential home fire each week. Though you never know when fire might strike, there are important measures you can take to increase your chances when seconds count.

Upscale home décor with crown molding

Create a dramatic new look throughout your home or highlight one area with crown molding — the key to an upscale look for walls, windows, doors, cabinets and more. Homeowners will find the tools and supplies necessary for crown molding projects at Woodcraft.

Finished basements save energy and deliver more living space

By finishing your basement, you can gain more living space while reducing the amount of energy loss from downstairs. Basements that are not fully finished typically do not have insulated walls or covered flooring.

How to soundproof your home

What’s the first step in sound proofing your home? Finding which rooms have the least amount of sound resistance.

Soundproof that man cave

Enjoy a jam session or watch an intense sports game with the boys without disturbing the rest of your house. Soundproofing your man cave will ensure that the noise of male bonding, deep voices, loud music and cheering doesn’t disturb the entire household.

How to make your renovation a successful, positive experience

In the United States, renovation spending has more than doubled since the late 1990s, reaching nearly $65 billion last year alone. Oftentimes the investment a homeowner makes is substantial, both financially and emotionally.

Tackle home maintenance projects to save money

Much like the upkeep on your car, tackling home maintenance on a regular basis will prevent problems from developing and save you from larger repair costs down the road.

Technology can help extend the life of your lights

Technology is also changing the way we drive and, in many ways, making today’s highways more safe. While automotive gadgets like built-in WiFi or backup cameras may be the first amenities to grab our attention, new developments in lighting technology are enhancing driver visibility and making it safer to hit the open road.

Add upcycling to your home improvement tools

Upcycling is not just for craft projects — it offers lots of possibilities to make changes in your home décor, especially cabinets and furniture that will save money and reduce your contribution to the local landfill. Woodcraft can help you with upcycling ideas, products and advice.

How to build a disaster-resilient house

Extreme weather events in every season now are thrashing, burning, flooding, and flattening many homes into rubble, and such storms are making many homeowners wonder what would happen to their homes if they were in the path of such destructive winds.

Construction Quick Tip: Build a disaster-resilient home with sustainable technology

Which type of natural disaster might be around the corner where you live, now that extreme weather events are so common? Is it a hurricane, an ice storm, a tornado? Perhaps a flash flood? Forest fires are also on the rise, but even accidental house fires pose a threat. Peace-of-mind is still possible, however.

Would you like to build a disaster-resilient house?

The icy winds from last year’s Polar Vortex are back on our minds again as we head towards winter. The plummeting temperatures are one thing, but of more concern is the destruction that these extreme weather events can bring, including winds that last year gusted up to 100 kilometers per hour, threatening our personal safety, as well as the very foundation of our homes.

Home-Building Innovation: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient construction

Today, given the frequency of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, and floods, it’s a “must” to build the most durable homes possible. Wood-framed walls, for example, are not always reliable, whereas walls constructed with reinforced concrete have proven to withstand some of Mother Nature’s worst performances.

Disaster-resilient homes start with concrete walls

A home today must be more than just aesthetically pleasing. The costs of fuel consumption and extreme-storm damage, plus costs in the way of carbon footprints, are making all of us insist on far more property benefits, including superior durability and resilience from pending disasters.

Shop Woodcraft for the woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers on your gift list

Make Woodcraft your gift headquarters this year for woodworking, home/shop improvement and upcycling tools and supplies. Choose from more than 20,000 products at Woodcraft retail stores nationwide, in the catalog and at Woodcraft.com. Check out a few of the products below, and keep in mind that a Woodcraft Gift Card is perfect for those who are a “gift-giving challenge.”

Technology an integral part of defensive driving

Safety is foremost on the minds of many drivers. Automobile accidents can be detrimental to a driver’s health as well as his or her wallet, causing potentially costly damage to vehicles and resulting in higher insurance premiums.

Properly maintained headlights vastly improve driver safety

The importance of maintaining a vehicle cannot be understated. In addition to protecting their financial investments, drivers who properly maintain their vehicles are also protecting themselves and their passengers.

Woodcraft Suggests Plan for Year of 'Dream Home Projects'

Spend some quality time with your house, and make a list of the pluses and minuses as if you were considering whether to buy it. Use this list to develop projects that will create your "dream home" over a year's time. To help you, Woodcraft offers some ideas for projects and products.

Keep the traditions, but ditch the worn-out decor

The holiday countdown is on and it's time to get your house razzle-dazzle ready. But before you do, make sure to check that your lights and decorations are still in good working order after a year in storage. Not only can old decor look worn out, but it also can put you and your family at risk -- which is the last thing anyone wants at this joyous time of year.

Electrical safety tips for holiday decorating

Everyone has at least one -- the house on the street that lights up in splendor around the holiday season. Decorations are in abundance both indoors and out, and just seeing the house brings on a smile. But as beautiful as it might be, that home may also be a safety risk if the decorator hasn't followed precautions like these offered by CSA Group:

Woodcraft Offers Holiday Gift Ideas for DIY "Experts" and Woodworkers

From a versatile gyroscopic screwdriver to a handy pocket-sized LED light, Woodcraft offers more than 20,000 products -- all potential gifts for the do-it-yourselfer and/or woodworker -- at its retail stores nationwide, in its catalog and at woodcraft.com. View a few of these gift ideas below.

Technology can play a pivotal role in improving public spaces in your community

Public spaces have long been the focal point of strong communities. Long before the advent of the Internet, smartphones, tablets, and even newspapers, men and women learned about the goings-on in their communities by gathering in town centers and other public spaces.

Weather threats are calmed by construction technology

Meteorologists say that the continental United States has warmed by about 1.3oF over the last 100 years -- and even for those who still question the science of climate change, the increased frequency and severity of high-wind storms, fires, floods and drought, has become a major safety concern.

Home-Building News: Concrete buildings withstand high winds and fire

With environmentalists predicting that warming trends across the country will likely mean more severe blasts of wind, rain, blizzards, heat, drought and fires year-round, the building industry says it is already up to the challenge of ensuring occupant safety.

Construction Quick Tip: Build an eco-friendly home to withstand extreme weather

Did you know: The continental United States has warmed by about 1.3oF over the last 100 years, although observers say the impact has been experienced differently from region to region. As a result, meteorologists are predicting a higher frequency of weather extremes, such as the two massive wind and rain systems that collided last fall during Hurricane Sandy.

What's in your 21st-century survival kit?

Of the 1,272 federal disaster declarations issued in the last decade, more than half were classified as major disasters. These include calamities such as floods, hurricanes and tropical storms, winter storms, and others. In the last 10 years, every state has had a least two events designated as a major federal disaster.

New germ control flooring popular with parents Online direct customized healthy floors latest trend

As most parents can attest, infants love to crawl around and put things in their mouth. No matter how hard you try to stop them, it's inevitable -- if they can touch it, "it" will end up in their mouth. This is why parents are always on guard to protect their children from germs and bacteria lurking in their home.

How to choose hardwood floors in 5 easy clicks New online direct customized flooring a snap

Times have changed when it comes to the selection and purchase of hardwood floors. With today's ease of online communication and the low cost of sending product samples, it has become preferable and more cost-effective for consumers to deal directly with the manufacturer.

Online direct customized floors: The revolution in hardwood flooring

Most discerning homeowners want their decors to be distinct from their neighbors, families and friends. Ideally, they'd like their style and flair to shine through, making their customized home decor a true reflection of their personality and taste. This is typically achieved by selecting unique pieces of furniture, artwork and colors to craft that custom look.

Hardwood floors set the tone in today's contemporary homesTwo-tone floors hot trend with homeowners

In the wide open spaces we find in today's contemporary homes, every centimeter counts and the floor's role is more important than ever -- it is the room's focal point and the element that sets the tone. The timeless natural beauty of wood gives decors one-of-a-kind personality immersed with warmth and a signature style.

Home decor trends Wire brushed hardwood floors create popular timeless rustic look

According to design experts, the prominent trend in home decor today is to bring warmth and timelessness of a bygone era to contemporary living spaces through rustic wire-brushed hardwood floors. As the heart and soul of the decor, these floors are used to convey a sense of comfort and well-being associated with a cozy home environment.

It's all about texture for today's hardwood floors

Experts in the hardwood flooring industry are seeing a major shift in the way consumers are now choosing their floors, as color is no longer king. Texture has emerged as the new "color" when it comes to the driving force behind wood flooring selections.

Build a concrete house to withstand high winds

The newest home building technology is solving energy costs and wind damage at the same time. The standard wood frame used in buildings can now be replaced by a reinforced concrete system, known as the interlocking, 'insulated concrete form.' This ICF technology gives homeowners improved indoor comforts, too.

Construction Quick Tip: Build a more durable home and save money, too

Did you know: A house constructed with a concrete frame, rather than wood, delivers superior protection in wind storms? The frame is constructed with a highly lauded system of pre-assembled 'insulated concrete forms' (ICFs) and produces walls with hurricane and tornado impact-resistance up to 250 miles per hour.

Home construction methods face major changes

All across North America, home builders agree that the best investment -- for the occupant and for resale value -- requires adopting the newest and most advanced methods and materials. One bold option already solving high fuel costs and safety during severe wind storms is a revolutionary concrete system to replace standard wood-frame walls.

Cloudy headlamps a significant safety concern

Many drivers feel less comfortable behind the wheel at night than they do during the day, when daylight makes it easier to see fellow motorists as well as pedestrians. Nighttime can compromise a driver's vision, and that reduced vision is a key factor in traffic fatalities, nearly half of which occur at night.

Ideas for the "Challenges" on Your Holiday Gift List

Giving gifts is a holiday tradition, but sometimes friends and family who maintain, renovate and build can pose special gifting challenges. To find gifts for these folks and others on your gift list, check out the Woodcraft suggestions below.

Headlights make for safer driving, even during the day

If asked to describe a typical car accident, many people would instantly think of nighttime. But statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that less traffic accidents occur at nighttime than daytime, when there are more vehicles on the road and more pedestrians walking around.

Improve your air quality at home with advanced insulation

Interior renovation projects give us the perfect chance to upgrade all aspects of a home's interior, including your home insulation. Wall insulation may not be as exciting as visible upgrades, but the latest products can single-handedly give you lower fuel costs with far improved air quality, comfort and energy efficiency.

Check your home's insides before renovating

Specialists in the industry suggest that any homeowner planning to renovate should not be too hasty in applying the 'cosmetics' of a renovation without investigating the home's insides first.

Take control of mold growth

Moisture buildup can increase the probability of mold growth. For homeowners, mold growth can lead to poor indoor air quality and worse.

Avoid shivering this winter

January and February are typically considered the coldest months in the northwest, northeast and midwestern United States. It can be tough for homeowners trying to bear the cold without running up heating costs. Yet with some planning and investment, we can avoid the winter chills.

Cut that energy bill and stay green

Homeowners continue to seek creative ways to reduce monthly expenses while being more environmentally conscious. Knowing where your money is being spent gives you a better understanding of how and where to make efficiencies.

The value in knowing R-Value

If you are in the midst of renovating or building your home, it is likely you have heard the term "R-Value" being thrown around. Understanding what it means and its importance is the real test.

Make household drafts a thing of the past

Outside is below freezing and the heater is working overtime, but throughout the house there are cold, drafty areas. Does this sound familiar?

Construction Quick Tip: Future homes strive to be energy self-sufficient

Housing and energy experts call the goal 'net zero.' It represents a building that has been constructed in such an energy-efficient way -- with methods and materials -- it is able to produce, on site, as much energy as it uses over the course of a year.

Environment Watch: Students teach parents about their futuristic school

It's Open House at Richardsville Elementary School in Bowling Green, Kentucky, but this is not your usual parent-teacher event. On the faces of beaming students, it is immediately obvious that today it will be the parents that learn a thing or two.

Net-zero school is a living lesson in conservation

At Richardsville Elementary school, all the electricity is produced self-sufficiently. This is the result of a groundbreaking collaboration between the architects, builder, and suppliers to produce the first net-zero achievable school in the United States. This building in Bowling Green, Kentucky is so energy efficient it is able to produce, on site, as much energy as it uses over the course of a year.

Technology News: First 'net-zero' school sets a fine example

Energy-efficient construction is celebrating one more milestone. It is now possible to build a facility -- perhaps even a home -- that is able to produce, on site, as much energy as it uses over the course of a year.

Home decor trends: How to create a timeless rustic look with wire brushed hardwood floors

According to home design experts the latest trend in flooring is to capture the warmth, charm and timelessness of a bygone era with wire-brushed oak hardwood floors. As the heart and soul of the decor, these floors are used to convey a sense of comfort and well-being associated with a cozy home atmosphere.

Home decor trends: It's all about beautiful browns for today's hardwood floor colours

One of the hot new trends in hardwood flooring this season is the use of beautiful brown flooring colors to inspire home decors by bringing nature indoors. Touted as the "colors of tomorrow" by a leading Canadian hardwood flooring manufacturer, these new colors already have interior design professionals and enthusiasts buzzing.

A Clean Windshield Contributes To Safe Driving In All Seasons

A clean windshield is an asset in all seasons. As we finish wiping away the last remnants of snow and ice, we get ready to deal with the heavy downpours of spring; and then, depending on where we live, for the dust blowing on a hot, dry summer's day.

Spray foam insulation combats mold

If you worry about mold in your home and are trying to find solutions, you can take one simple step to help prevent it from happening.

The R-value of spray foam trumps traditional insulation

If you keep topping-up your walls and ceiling in hopes of better insulation for your home, you're going about it the wrong way. Adding layers of conventional insulation is not effective, experts say. Your insulation is not effective in the short- or long-term if it's not done by a reputable company and with the right material.

Planning your renovation smartly

As you tear apart the wallpaper, replace the cupboards and strip the floorboards, experts caution not to reach for that bucket of paint before investigating the innards of your walls.

How to choose the most effective insulation

If you can't decide between spray foam and traditional insulation, such as fibreglass or cellulose, a brief overview can reveal the cost-effectiveness and reliability of each.

Improve vision for a safer ride

As the motor vehicle industry continues to evolve, the emphasis drivers and manufacturers place on safety continues to increase. But even though technological advancements have vastly improved driver safety, accidents still happen.

Put these home improvements on your 2012 calendar

With the deep freeze factor at its annual high, the potential benefits of making energy saving improvements really hit home. Yet saving energy and money and adding comfort to your home should always be in season. Industry experts at Icynene (icynene.com) recommend you put these home improvement tips on your 2012 calendar:

Take this insulation tour for a real energy savings trip

Did you know that one-third of all air leakage in a home can be attributed to walls, floors and ceilings? You might think your home is well insulated, but if it has conventional air permeable fiberglass or cellulose insulation, gaps, seams or damage could compromise its performance.

Three top tips if you are feeling a draft

At this time of year, those little air leaks around our home can feel like a mighty wind. Experts agree, however, that it is possible to add more comfort and energy savings to your home by:

How to control air leakage and energy loss in your home

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature becomes an increasingly expensive proposition with steadily rising energy costs. With the full force of winter upon us, you can keep air leakage and energy loss in check with a mini energy audit of your home that includes these three quick stops:

Insulation's cooling features

Many people equate insulation with keeping things warm, but ample attic insulation and other insulating factors around the home can help keep a home cooler during the summer as well. Rather than keeping a home cool or warm, insulation's main purpose is to maintain a consistent temperature in the home.

Are tankless water heaters for you?

Thirty percent of a home's energy budget goes to heating water for cleaning and bathing. Some homeowners are looking to new and efficient tankless water heaters as an option on saving money on water heating costs and saving space around the house, as tankless heaters are much smaller than traditional water heaters.

Plywood and MDF: What's the difference?

For decades plywood was the go-to inexpensive wood of choice for many home-repair projects. In fact, it was actually the first manufactured wood product available. Then the term MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, started making its way onto home-improvement shows and among do-it-yourselfers, making it a popular material in recent years. Still, many people do not know the differences between these types of wood products.

How to hide the TV when it's not in use

People have a love affair with their electronics, which play an integral role at households across the globe. Statistics from Nielsen's Television Audience Report indicate that the average American household has 2.86 television sets, despite having just 2.5 people. It is also estimated that those in the U.S. will have watched the equivalent of 9 years' worth of TV by the age of 65.

Tech tips Clean out your computer to improve performance

Few computer users have not experienced the rotating hourglass icon or the spinning rainbow ball that signifies that the system is working or bogged down by something. Over time computers can collect bits of information, fragmented files and other data that might wreak havoc on the inner workings that make a computer tick.

Countdown to the Oscars

On Sunday, February 26, 2012, comedian Eddie Murphy will host the 84th Academy Awards. Each year, motion picture industry experts nominate and cast their votes for the top films, directors, actors, and behind-the-scenes moviemakers.

NYC in a green state of mind

The Empire State Building stands 1,454 feet from base to the tip of the antenna and has become an eco-friendly structure. The plan to turn the Empire State building into one of the largest eco-friendly buildings began in 2009.

Safety first with snowblowers

Snowblowers make fast work of snow covering driveways and sidewalks, which makes them popular purchases for homeowners looking to avoid shoveling this season. But The Amputee Coalition of America urges safe operation when firing up the snowblower this year.

How to control online spending

The convenience of online shopping also makes it easy to overspend. When shopping online, consider the following tips that should help curtail spending.

Insulin pump delivery systems help manage diabetes

Diabetics who participate in insulin therapy often face hundreds of needle pricks a month in order to keep their sugar levels in check. However, insulin pumps reduce the amount of manual work and the pain involved.

Did you know?

Black Friday might be more well known, but it's not the only day retailers look forward to for big profits post-Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday is the term used for the Monday immediately following Thanksgiving.

'Tis the season for online holiday scams and cons

It is sad but true: As the holiday season heats up, so do the number of scams and cons perpetrated on unsuspecting consumers. While swindlers, thieves and pickpockets operate year-round, the period from November to January offers criminals more opportunities for wrongdoing and a population of prospective targets who are feeling generous and preoccupied with the demands and doings of the holiday season.

Daily deals make great holiday gifts

Over the last few years, daily deal sites have grown enormously in both popularity and membership. The largest of these sites -- Groupon, Living Social, Woot and Eversave -- are all expected to draw large crowds of virtual shoppers on the hunt for gift deals this holiday season.

New Technology Developed To Help Keep Skin Moisturized

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. It protects you from bacteria and viruses that can cause infections. It also helps your body sense the outside world, such as whether it is hot or cold, wet or dry. And yes, your skin regulates your body temperature.

Make Gutter Cleaning Safer and Easier

To help keep gutters operating properly and to protect your investment, try these tips.

Easy and Economical Solutions for Those Postponed Remodeling Plans

If you cannot wait any longer to make some much needed changes in your home, you are not alone. Americans are once again getting ready to begin the home improvement process. This pent-up energy often begins in the kitchen, a room that gets a lot of wear and tear but also seems to go out of fashion more quickly these days.

Tools for the home mechanic

The right tools can make any job easier. Knowing how to use the tools also helps. Those delving into some do-it-yourself automotive work will soon find that there are certain tools that can make the work go more smoothly.

School smarts for green living School supply savvy saves money and the planet

The average family with children will spend roughly $570 on school supplies this year, according to the National Retail Federation. School does require a bevy of supplies, but oftentimes parents and students look to disposable items when shopping for supplies. Did you know that six million disposable pens are thrown away in the U.S. each year?

Boredom be gone! Gadgets a friend to road weary travelers

In the past, road trip entertainment consisted of conversation between passengers or listening to the radio. In most cases, that radio was tuned to the oldies station, much to the chagrin of anyone under the age of 40 in the car. Nowadays, the bevy of electronic gadgets to entertain bored or road weary travelers has grown by leaps and bounds.

Caution reigns when buying a car via the Internet

Over the years, the Internet has grown from a relative novelty into something households steadfastly rely on in nearly every aspect of life. Bills are now paid online, professional and personal communication is conducted through the Internet, and couples even begin relationships thanks to online dating Web sites.

Did you know?

Airbags were invented in the early 1950s by John W. Hetrick, an industrial engineer and member of the U.S. Navy. It wasn't until roughly 20 years later that airbags began being used in mass-produced autos.

Did you know?

The tablet has revolutionized the world of computers, offering consumers a device that is more portable and lightweight than a notebook computer. Its utility and application for entertainment and general use has quickly elevated its status as a must-have device, particularly among on-the-go professionals.

Did you know?

Many people are worried about their electronic devices thanks to identity theft and hacking. It's widely known that thieves can steal credit card information by swiping or reading your card with a special device.

How technology eliminates jobs

You can't argue that technology has changed the world dramatically. From the industrial revolution to the widespread reach of the Internet, technology has changed how just about everything is done. Although technology has proven beneficial in many ways, technological advancements have proven costly as well.

Use the Internet to find your next job

As the job market continues to rebound, it also continues to change. Whereas job seekers once sent their resumes to prospective employers via traditional mail, nowadays many companies prefer applicants utilize the company Web site to apply for open positions.

Savings Corner Simple ways to reduce home heating costs

The return of winter weather marks the return of many things, including winter coats, mornings spent shoveling snow and, for many homeowners, higher utility bills.

Eco-Building Tips: Net-zero is here

Expect to hear 'net zero' more often in energy conversations. It is now possible to build a facility -- even a home -- that is so energy efficient it produces zero demand on the public electricity supply.

The Hidden Cost of Convenience

With so many different devices deemed necessary these days, people often are unaware of the amount of energy used and the costs associated with keeping these devices running.

On your side Understanding different siding options

Seemingly from the moment a home is purchased, its new owners start envisioning ways to transform their new pad into their dream home. Once they turn their key for the first time, homeowners enter an empty home and see a blank slate on which they can improve.

Central vacuuming

Vacuuming is a chore that most people do not enjoy. The hassle of taking out a vacuum and carting it up and down stairs adds to its status as a less than beloved household chore. While few things are likely to make vacuuming a chore to enjoy, there is a system that can take some of the work out of the process.

Undermount sinks growing in popularity

Undermount sinks are quickly becoming the most popular type of sink in today's kitchens, likely because undermount sinks usually go hand-in-hand with solid-surface countertops.

Did you know?

Though ceiling fans are most associated with warm-weather seasons, most can be effective throughout the winter months as well, helping circulate warm air throughout a room in much the same way they circulate cool air during the warmer weather.

Improving Energy Efficiency Tops Wish List When Remodeling Home

Homeowners concerned about high energy bills have put energy conservation home improvements at the top of their must-do list this year. They are looking for green living upgrades that save money without sacrificing space or style.

Engineers help improve the world

It has been frequently stated that, "Scientists investigate that which already is; engineers create that which has never been." Some of the greatest challenges of modern life have been overcome thanks to engineers. And their reach continues to grow.

Safety measures to take when banking online

In mid-2011, roughly 200,000 Citigroup credit card customers received some startling news. Hackers had accessed the gigantic bank's system, a security breach that exposed account holder's names, e-mail addresses and account numbers to hackers.

Mammography benefits questioned

In recent years many leading health organizations have advised that all women age 40 and up have an annual mammogram or be tested every two years for the presence of breast cancer. Women with a higher risk for the disease may have been told to get bi-annual mammograms. There are some people who feel that this blanket recommendation is ill-advised.

Did you know?

Home improvement projects no longer need to be halted due to missing tools or misplaced measurements. Thanks to advancements in mobile phone technology, homeowners can now keep projects on schedule thanks to a host of apps that make it possible for even the most forgetful do-it-yourselfer to complete projects on time.

How air conditioners work

On a steaming, hot day, the cool breeze from an air conditioner can seem a divine gift. Many people do not question just how the cooling effect comes to be, accepting it as a benefit of modern technology. Others may wonder how air conditioning symptoms can turn a room from sweltering to chilly in such a short period of time.

Understanding online privacy policies

Anyone who has ever made a purchase online has likely signed a privacy agreement. Consumers rarely read through these often lengthy agreements, choosing instead to scroll down to the bottom and click the box indicating they have read the agreement and understand what it entails.

Cell phone security tips

Though as recently as a decade ago they were largely a luxury, cell phones are now the go-to device for men, women and even children. Over that time period, cell phones have evolved from mobile telephones into devices that enable users to send and receive e-mails and text messages, surf the Internet and do a host of other things few even dreamed of at their inception.

9 things you can recycle that you may have not known about

We all know we should recycle, and routinely place our newspapers, plastic bottles and aluminim cans at the curb for collection. But there are many other lesser known things that can be recycled. While these things may not be able to be placed at curbside, they can be dropped off at recycling centers.

Prevent cell phone identity theft

Tapping into a cell phone to steal private information seems like something out of a blockbuster thriller. In reality, this type of crime does happen to ordinary people. Individuals who rely heavily on mobile phones should recognize their susceptibility to identity theft should their phone be lost or stolen.

Supplies for the 21st century student

School supplies have evolved significantly over the years. Items that appear on today's school-supply lists may be quite different from yesteryear.

Safety tips for young Web surfers

Parents have worried about their children since the beginning of time. Such worry is part of being a parent, and parents will worry about things both large and small.

Pros and cons to learning in a digital age

The world has quickly become digital, and the younger generations are leading the pack with technology that just may make some other items obsolete. As pre-teens and teenagers routinely turn to digital devices for entertainment and schoolwork, the face of education may change as well.

Did you know?

Cyberbullying occurs when a child is embarrassed, harassed, humiliated, threatened, or tormented by another child using the Internet, mobile phones or another interactive and digital technology. Just as genuine a concern as bullying, cyberbullying has resulted in children killing others or even committing suicide.

Convenient Traveling Is In The Bag: Restroom Tips for Women Travelers

Women now make 70 percent of all travel decisions and comprise more than half of all business travelers2. With this leadership role, the inconveniences women deal with while traveling are on the rise as well.

A Fresh Cabin Air Filter Creates 'Breathing Room' Inside Your Vehicle

Let's say you are about to take a long road trip. It's one thing to have to clean out your car ahead of time to create enough space for you and your family to be comfortable inside. But did you know that you could also help them breathe more comfortably -- especially if some of them suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma? Breathing in dirty roadside air that enters through the vents affects everyone, particularly the most vulnerable -- those that are susceptible to respiratory illnesses.

Home Entertainment Networking Made Easy

In the early days of home television entertainment a consumer had a television with one plug -- a power cord -- that was plugged into an electrical outlet. That was all that was needed to get their viewing experience up and running. Today it's an entirely different story, and many people ready to outfit their homes with home entertainment systems and networks do not really know where to begin.

Staying Connected ... Even in Today's Most Remote Locations

From skiing the Rocky Mountains to sailing around the U.S. Virgin Islands, getting a mobile connection in remote locations can often prove difficult -- if not impossible. The lack of cellular towers in hard-to-reach areas yields minimal signals and little to no access to mobile communications services.

Go green to see more green

Homeowners overwhelmingly agree it's important to reduce their effect on the environment. Yet, research by Ipsos Reid found more than three-quarters of respondents would only spend more money to make their homes environmentally-friendly if they could make it back in savings.

Do handheld scanners make shopping easier?

Spending money is very easy. It's making money that's often not so simple. Despite the ease at which consumers part with their cash, stores are routinely looking for new ways to make shoppers more inclined to spend money, especially supermarkets. Scan-as-you-go technology just may be the ticket.

Home Entertainment Networking Made Easy

There are a few things consumers need to know before setting up a home network. Here is some information and tips, courtesy of Entropic Communications, part of the MoCA Alliance, an industry standard which uses the coax cable to create a seamless home network.

Staying Connected ... Even in Today's Most Remote Locations

New mobile technology, traditionally used primarily by government officials, can now help mobile users stay connected even in isolated locations or when cellular networks are unavailable.

Connecting Your Home Entertainment Network -- What You Need To Know

Whether shopping at Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Fry's or any other major consumer electronics retailer, consumers are confronted with a myriad of acronyms that promise to speed up the home entertainment network. But with so many home networking technologies available -- from Wi-Fi (802.11) and Multimedia over Coax (MoCA(R)) to Powerline, HomePlug, HomePNA, among others -- how can consumers know if they're making the right choice when it comes to building their home entertainment network?

Keep children fit through fun this summer

Fresh air and outdoor fun are beneficial to maintaining your physical and mental health. Outdoor toys are a great way to keep your children outside, active and having fun during the summer months.

Encourage learning all summer long

Don't let summer fun interfere with your child's learning. Research has shown that kids can lose much of what they learned during the school year during the summer months, a phenomenon known as "summer brain drain."

Build your child's problem-solving skills

One of the most important life skills children struggle to learn is problem-solving -- the process of identifying a problem, coming up with a solution, and executing it to achieve a desired result. It is a skill that we all use as part of our everyday lives, yet one that most of us struggle with on a daily basis.

Home Decor trends Hickory hardwood floors: A classic beauty that endures

No other flooring option delivers the warmth, splendour and value of natural wood. Today there are countless colours available to choose from as well as different species, each with their unique characteristics. One species that has been growing in popularity in recent years for its rustic charm and ultra -- durability is hickory.

Home decor trends Soy-based eco-flooring latest trend for today's healthy homes

According to home decor experts, 2011 will mark the introduction of a new approach to interior design -- the "Healthy Home." Honest architecture and the mantra of Zen are already playing out in interior spaces that feature natural finishes and clean lines.

Home design innovations Latest trends in hardwood floor designs a touch away on new iPad app

Imagine being able to hold in your hands the full line of samples from the latest trends in hardwood flooring - colours, finishes and species -- all in the comfort of your home. It would be like holding hundreds of actual in-store sample boards in the palm of your hands making the selection of your new hardwood floors effortless.

Decor trends for 2011 Do-it-yourselfers "LOC-in" latest trend in hardwood floors

According to experts in the hardwood flooring industry, the hot trends for this year will be wider board floor designs and easier to install options that you simply "LOC" into place.

Wowed Over Water

Water is an element that pervades all aspects of everyday life. It is said the human body can survive longer without food than without water. Still, for many people, water remains a mystery.

New, Easy Solution Restores Vehicle Paint to "Like-New" Condition

You've kept your current car for the last several years, but it is now starting to show its age. Over time, paint becomes oxidized, fades and gets scratched. But how can you restore that tired paint and repair those scratches without an expensive trip to the body shop?

Rare Car Wax ... Hard to Get

There's a paste car wax that appears to be in demand by afficionados and collectors of rare and expensive automobiles.

Is a Popular Tech Trend Sacrificing Safety? Uploaded Photos May Reveal Users' Private Locations

Behind-the-scenes tagging of photos courtesy of today's smart phones and GPS-enhanced cameras could be giving away your exact location. It's called geotagging, and many people do not realize their smart phone or camera is embedding a geographic location to the file date on digital images.

Wireless Technology Can Benefit the Deaf

For generations, hearing impaired individuals have used sign language as a primary form of communication. Nowadays, many are turning to technological devices to "speak" and communicate on the same terms as everyone else.

'Tis the Season for Sharing ... Digital Content Throughout the Home

Consumer interest for Web-on-TV applications has increased, as consumers are connecting their PC and game consoles to their high definition (HD) TVs for a new home theater-like entertainment experience. In fact, according to Parks Associates, from 2008 to 2009, the number of U.S. households using Web-connected game consoles increased by 64 percent, and the number connecting a PC to a TV increased by 36 percent.

Bracketless Wiper Blades Help Improve Driving Visibility In Winter

Wiper blade performance has experienced a dramatic leap forward with advanced technology 'bracketless' wiper blades such as the Bosch ICON(TM) -- especially in winter. These blades significantly improve driving visibility in any weather all year round, including mist, drizzle, rain, blowing dust, or snow.

Built Stronger to Last Longer

Building product manufacturers have come a long way over the past several decades when it comes to the creation of products for the home. Decades ago wood roofing shingles or wood millwork had a relatively short lifespan due to environmental conditions the products faced.

Window Safety Tips

How often should family fire drills be held? What type of glass should you have in windows to help prevent noise penetration and discourage intruders? The experts at Simonton Windows(R) offer fast tips for staying safe in your home and enjoying your windows.

Home Improvement Trend That Won't Break The Bank

Faux painting techniques are an economical and innovative way to transform any surface and can complement any decorating style. Dull concrete floors, both indoors and out, can be brought dramatically to life with a latex paint such as DRYLOK(R) Latex Concrete Floor Paint.

From Bland Backyard to Beautiful Vacation Destination

The best vacations lift us out of the frenzy of our lives, whisking us off to faraway places that relax and rejuvenate us.

Make Roofing Color Choices With Confidence Advice from Color Expert Kate Smith

Standard slate gray or bold terracotta? Solid brown or a blend of three warm brown tones? For some homeowners, the question of what color to cap off their homes is more challenging than the decision of what roofing product to use.

Basement Versatility

These days every inch of space in the home counts. So, when considering building a new home, it makes sense to consider building both "up and down" to maximize your living space.

Vented Sidelites

Homeowners can now let light and fresh air into their homes without sacrificing energy efficiency or style. Therma-Tru's vented sidelites (available in the Fiber-Classic Oak Collection and Smooth-Star product line) provides ventilation without the inconvenience and obstruction of storm doors or sliding screens.

Opportunity Knocks: Careers for Women in Science and Technology

Successful female engineers and organizations such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the IEEE want individuals choosing a course of study and potential career path to consider scientific fields -- like engineering.

Spruce Up Your Kitchen for Healthy Cooking

Looking for innovative ways to make your goal of getting healthier this year stick? Try sprucing up your kitchen so that you're inspired to lighten up your cooking and eating habits.

This holiday season, give the gift of no stress

Tension is who you think you should be," according to a wonderful Chinese proverb. "Relaxation is who you are."
Medical science has in recent years confirmed that stress-reduction is good for the body, but this charming old saying makes a case for it being good for the soul as well!

Cherished Heirlooms Make Great Holiday Gifts

In this day and age of rapidly advancing technology, what's here today is not only gone tomorrow, it may very well be gone tonight. With that in mind, holiday shoppers are increasingly reticent when shopping for friends and family, fully aware the "perfect gift" they find at their neighborhood retailer might be obsolete by the time the New Year rolls around.

Choosing Cookware with Confidence, Dispelling Misconceptions for Perfect Match at Bridal Registries

Getting married can be a full time job, especially when it comes to deciding what to register for wedding gifts. A seemingly endless array of kitchen products for cooking and entertaining can entice, but also overwhelm bridal couples.

Getting Engaged Is Just the Beginning ... Now What?

Are you one of the thousands of couples who got engaged over the holidays? This is the time for you and your soon-to-be to get everything you ever wanted -- whether you're starting from scratch, upgrading, expanding or replacing. Turn a whole bunch of mismatched mine and yours into a lifetime of ours.

Keep Your Family Healthy Through the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us once again, and with it comes the season's notoriously hectic pace. With crowded social calendars and the stress of holiday shopping, it's easy to feel overwhelmed once the season hits full swing.

Branded Gifts: Tiny Investments with Unparalleled ROI Why Companies Should Consider Promotional Branded Gifts This Holiday Season

With the holiday season right around the corner, many businesspeople have turned their attentions to finding just the right 'special something' for everyone on their list. Branded products are an ideal way for businesses to show how much they appreciate their customers and clients, also expressing how much they look forward to working with them in the year ahead.

Find the Right Fit For Everyone On Your List

With the holidays upon us, shoppers across the country are once again agonizing over what to get their family and friends. While holiday shopping once consisted of a necktie for Dad, a comfy robe for Mom and some toys for the kids, today's holiday shopping list is much more complicated than that.

Travel Tips For On-the-Go Professionals

Today's business travelers are more pressed for time than ever before. Stricter policies at the nation's airports make traveling tougher while a still recovering economy continues to place greater demands on the nation's workers, many of whom are carrying greater workloads thanks to downsizing.

New Revolution in Textile Development Means Faster Turnaround

A newly created advanced rapid response initiative product development system reduces the time it takes to develop new technical fabrics from months to days, which can be a boon to branches of the U.S. military, among other businesses.

Gift Ideas for the Family Music Maven

Every family has at least one, and every one has several family members who simply don't know what to get them come the holiday season.

Gift Ideas for the On-the-Go Business Pro

Pack your suitcases, business travelers. According to a report from the National Business Travelers Association, global business travel is on the rise once again. After a recession-related dip in business travel spending in 2009, forecasters predict a 6.2 percent increase by the end of 2010 and an even brighter forecast for 2011, when researchers suspect business travel spending will surpass the 2008 peak of $926 billion.

Engine Air Filters -- You Find Them In The Strangest Places

Back in the good ol' days, automotive air filters were simple to find; they sat right on top of the engine in a round metal container. But the trend toward shrinking engine compartments in search of fuel economy has reduced the options for vehicle manufacturers as to where to locate air filters.

How Do You Know it's Time to Replace Your Brakes? Brake pads will tell you when they need replacement, but rotors are a different story.

Your car's brakes are one of your most important safety features. So it makes sense to be sure that they are maintained properly. Since brakes wear out as part of normal operation, it's obvious that the worn parts should be identified and replaced as soon as possible.

The Extended Drain: How Far Can You Really Go Between Oil and Filter Changes?

For years, the 3,000 mile mark has been touted as the optimum interval for changing your motor oil and filter. It's also an oil change interval that continues to be encouraged by the automotive oil change industry.

Install Latest Technology Windshield Wipers for Safer Driving This Winter

There's no predicting bad weather. It may come upon you during any season. However, bad weather during winter takes on a far more 'frightening' hue -- especially if you happen to be on the road. When heavy rain, sleet, and blowing wind and/or snow make it hard to see the road ahead, properly functioning windshield wipers become your most valued source of driving safety.

Tech Tips for the Television Season

Thanks to technology, like digital video recorders (DVRs), video-on-demand and online viewing, television has never been more convenient to watch on your own schedule. But at the same time, with all of the time-shifting choices out there, figuring out what to watch or when to set a recording can be tough waters to navigate.

Bring the Movie Theater Experience Home

Perhaps no home-improvement craze has grown more popular in recent years than home theater installation. As technology has become more advanced and more affordable, a number of people have opted to turn a room in their homes into their own private theater, complete with big screen, comfortable seating and anything else the heart desires.

Space Heaters Should be Used With Caution

Space heaters may seem like an excellent way to provide supplemental heat on chilly days. However, research points out that these units tend to be dangerous.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, around one-third of fires in the home can be attributed to space heaters.

Cyber Safety for Kids of All Ages

While the Internet made things easier in many ways, it's made things more difficult in more subtle ways as well. Take, for example, kids and the Internet. While computers were once a place for kids to play games and write papers for school, nowadays the household computer is a means to reaching a whole new world, one that isn't always so safe for kids. That reality highlights the importance parents must place on safeguarding their kids from the ills of the Internet. Fortunately, there are several steps parents can take to keep kids of all ages safe from whatever or whoever might be lurking online.

Did You Know?

The first zero-energy building (ZEB) skyscraper will open this fall in Guangzhou, China. The building, called the Pearl River Tower, was designed by architects from the Chicago-based SOM firm.

Making the Jump to 3-D

Many homeowners are transforming rooms at home into their own personal theaters. When equipping such a space, many may be wondering if they should make the jump to the all-new high-definition 3-D televisions on the market, or wait a little while longer for the technology to develop further.

Protecting Privacy When Using Cell Phones

Cellular phones are no longer a luxury for most individuals. In fact, cell phone-only households have surpassed landline-only households in the United States. With so many people using mobile phones, privacy may be a concern.

Schools Not Meeting Technology Advancements

The majority of households in the United States have at least one home computer. Despite that prevalence at home, technology in the classroom may be lacking.

Technology Tips: Housing construction has vastly improved

The advancement of building technologies is making home ownership today a far more valuable asset.

Editorial Services

Metro Interactive Planning Calendar

Online e-Sections

Categories

4 ways to protect your devices from hackers

Storage solutions for shop, home and job sites

3 ways to improve headlights for safer nighttime driving

Headlamp safety at the core of new campaign

Color a new home décor with a fresh coat of paint

Top ways you might be wasting your money

How to ensure a successful basement remodel

Now anyone can build a disaster-resilient home

Construction Quick Tip: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient materials

Construction Quick Tip: Choose concrete walls for severe storm safety

Build your home guided by eco-responsibility

Ensure a more enjoyable winter indoors with simple soundproofing solutions

Top 5 renovation tips to create more space in your home

Maximize fall and winter energy savings with simple tips

5 simple ways to increase energy efficiency and savings

How to insulate your home against a deadly fire

Get your home fall- and winter-ready with 5 simple projects

How drivers can enhance nighttime visibility

How to get the most bang for your automotive buck

Four easy tips for a basement makeover

Achieve the ideal sound experience at home

Consider moisture issues when choosing insulation

Five ways to increase home fire safety

Be prepared when seconds count: Renovate for fire safety

Upscale home décor with crown molding

Finished basements save energy and deliver more living space

How to soundproof your home

Soundproof that man cave

How to make your renovation a successful, positive experience

Tackle home maintenance projects to save money

Technology can help extend the life of your lights

Add upcycling to your home improvement tools

How to build a disaster-resilient house

Construction Quick Tip: Build a disaster-resilient home with sustainable technology

Would you like to build a disaster-resilient house?

Home-Building Innovation: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient construction

Disaster-resilient homes start with concrete walls

Shop Woodcraft for the woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers on your gift list

Technology an integral part of defensive driving

Properly maintained headlights vastly improve driver safety

Woodcraft Suggests Plan for Year of 'Dream Home Projects'

Keep the traditions, but ditch the worn-out decor

Electrical safety tips for holiday decorating

Woodcraft Offers Holiday Gift Ideas for DIY "Experts" and Woodworkers

Technology can play a pivotal role in improving public spaces in your community

Weather threats are calmed by construction technology

Home-Building News: Concrete buildings withstand high winds and fire

Construction Quick Tip: Build an eco-friendly home to withstand extreme weather

What's in your 21st-century survival kit?

New germ control flooring popular with parents Online direct customized healthy floors latest trend

How to choose hardwood floors in 5 easy clicks New online direct customized flooring a snap

Online direct customized floors: The revolution in hardwood flooring

Hardwood floors set the tone in today's contemporary homesTwo-tone floors hot trend with homeowners

Home decor trends Wire brushed hardwood floors create popular timeless rustic look

It's all about texture for today's hardwood floors

Build a concrete house to withstand high winds

Construction Quick Tip: Build a more durable home and save money, too

Home construction methods face major changes

Cloudy headlamps a significant safety concern

Ideas for the "Challenges" on Your Holiday Gift List

Headlights make for safer driving, even during the day

Improve your air quality at home with advanced insulation

Check your home's insides before renovating

Take control of mold growth

Avoid shivering this winter

Cut that energy bill and stay green

The value in knowing R-Value

Make household drafts a thing of the past

Construction Quick Tip: Future homes strive to be energy self-sufficient

Environment Watch: Students teach parents about their futuristic school

Net-zero school is a living lesson in conservation

Technology News: First 'net-zero' school sets a fine example

Home decor trends: How to create a timeless rustic look with wire brushed hardwood floors

Home decor trends: It's all about beautiful browns for today's hardwood floor colours

A Clean Windshield Contributes To Safe Driving In All Seasons

Spray foam insulation combats mold