Couple months ago I posted, "DIY: Checking You Home Drinking Water Quality". A co-worker told me about EMF (Electromagnetic fields) radiation from electronics and power-lines and let me borrow his high-end Triaxial EMF Meter so I could test out my house for EMF radiation. My house checked out in safe ranges for EMF, however, I did notice high levels of EMF when streaming from my MacBook Pro via Airtunes. I've since stopped using this feature if I'm sitting directly in front of my MacBook Pro computer.

I don't have any CRT based devices in my house anymore, which emit a high level of EMF when in use, however, our microwave, which we rarely use was the highest offender of EMF radiation! The meter would display O.L. which is higher than it can measure when it was running -- and this was standing about 6 inches away from the microwave oven. Terrible! When the unit is off, the microwave still produces high levels of EMF do to the megaton (the device that turns electricity into microwaves). I highly suggest you purchase a Portable Microwave Leakage Detector ($30) to check to see if your microwave is leaking harmful EMF radiation. If it does, get rid of it or limit its use. I'd also recommend you purchase a higher quality EMF meter to check your workplace and schools. Why expose your family and yourself to something you can often control? Be safe.

- Amazon.com: Portable Microwave Leakage Detector

One designer that I have kept close eye on is Ingo Maurer. In November 2005, I recreated Ingo Maurer's Zettel’z 5 seen below:


He now has released a new light called "TU-BE". Same concept as the Zettel'z but features toothpaste tubes for an even "cleaner" look. Sorry to say, I won't be recreating this version... If you are interested in purchasing this light, check out your local fine lighting house or visit Ingo Maurer's website.

Makes sense. We have it for our electricity (or lack of right now), why not have it for our water and gas? Liquid Breaker makes a circuit breaker for your water (and gas). The Omni Breaker Panel monitors remote sensors that when tripped, turn off the water to the water circuit and sends an alert message via an email, text message, fax or all of the above. You can also access the Omni Breaker via any computer connected to the internet -- perfect for turning off the hot water to an unsuspecting showerer. Pricing depends on how many circuits (zones) you want to protect.

- Liquid Breaker -- How it works

I personally think the WireTracks iCove ($199) is a waaaaaay better deal than the Sonance iPort ($600). Heck, with the iCove, you're not suck with using the deadened iPod. You can use it with any gadget that fits inside and that's what has me sold on the iCove. WireTracks, the makers of iCove are the most forward thinking people around! The WireTracks iCove is really just a simple in-wall display and storage cabinet for any portable electronic device that accepts electrical and low-voltage wiring connections. It works with almost any device that has a docking station and, because of the great design, you can change or upgrade your gadget as often as you like -- dumping your iPod for XM radio... no problem! For more information or to order one, point ye browser to WireTrack's iCove page.

I think one of the most stressful parts about building a house, especially for a geek, is if you ran enough wire to each room. I think I did, but there are times I wake up in a cold sweat thinking I should have ran an extra run of 2-RG6, 2-CAT5E, and 2-Fiber... or should I have run CAT-6 instead of CAT-5?... well, you get the point... the beauty about WireTracks is that you don't have to worry about pulling wires your may or may not use and dealing with conduit is a pain in the ass. WireTracks come in the Original flavor (pictured) which is great for retrofit -- now you can run Cat-5E and RG-6 throughout your old 1940's home without breathing any asbestos. The WireTracks NC is meant for "N"ew "C"onstruction, and a track is placed underneath your baseboard. Giving you a very clean, expandable solution. They also have WireTracks CM, which is my favorite solution, removable crown molding channel. It's inventions like this that I always slap my head and bursting out loud... "Why didn't I think of that!". Oh, well... I still have all you, my loyal readers...

For pricing and a complete list of dealers that carry the WireTracks, check here.

When I built my house, one of my requirements was to put as many showerheads as possible in my shower. I got it up to 12, some might think thats over kill, but I love me a good shower. Plus, I can control which ones I want on at any given time -- good stuff! The hardest thing about all those showerheads was placing them in the shower, I went with a Moen Spa System what has much more bulk heads. However, that shouldn't be an issue with the new Kohler WaterTiles. These showerheads, or shall we call them showertiles, are flat and can be angled for maximum showerage. Very cool! Definately consider these if you are in the market for a new shower system.

- Kohler Performace Showering