Hunter Fan Concert Breeze

Another great product recently shown at the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas is Hunter Fan’s Concert Breeze fan featuring 360 degrees of high-def audio.

Hunter and Soundolier partnered together to create the first and only ceiling fan sound system.

Paul Schleipfer, marketing manager for Soundolier, which is the wireless audio division of the Mitek Electronics and Communications Group.

“When distributing sound, audio coming from overhead has an all-encompassing effect that fills a room more naturally,” said Paul Schleipfer, marketing manager for Soundolier, which is the wireless audio division of the Mitek Electronics and Communications Group.

To accomplish this, the Concert Breeze utilizes a proprietary 2.4GHz wireless audio system. Without the hassle and expense of running wires, the Concert Breeze receives full-range digital-quality audio from any source, up to 300 feet away. The Soundolier Maestro wireless transmitter can be connected at any audio source – TV, MP3 player, etc. – through speaker level or 3.5mm input jack and send stereo summed DSP audio to the Concert Breeze.

Four selectable stereo signal channels virtually eliminate interference, and one transmitter can send the signal to other receiver devices within the signal range.

My favorite thing about the Concert Breeze is that it can be installed outdoors. This gives people living in multi-family buildings and high rises a way to add inconspicuous sound, light and moving air to their porches or lanais, as we call them in Florida, without having to run unsightly metal conduit on the surface of the concrete ceiling.

Look for it around June for $449.

January 21, 2009

Can Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Make You Sick?

Concerns over health risks from Electromagnetic Field (EMF) sources is not new. Scientists have been studying EMFs since 1985.

We are surrounded by sources of EMF daily. They include power lines, computers, fax machines, video monitors and cell phones.

For years, some people have reported health problems they attribute to exposure to EMF. Their condition is referred to as “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” or EHS.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study EHS symptoms commonly include dermatological symptoms (redness, tingling) ad well as neurasthanic and vegetative (fatigue, concentration difficulties, dizziness, heart palpitations and digestive disturbances).

While the WHO states EHS is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms that vary from individual to individual, many believe it is related to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Recently, the Globe investigated CFLs and “Dirty Electricity” stating that there is a link between CFLs and migraines.

Watch Globe TV Video

Here’s an excerpt from an Austrailian government report that refutes health claims tied to CFLs.

“While light sources with a detectable flicker can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals, CFLs ‘flicker’ at a rate well above that detectable by the human brain and so should not affect migraine sufferers,”

From what I’ve read, these reports remind me of the granite Radon scare recently in the news and on this blog. Is this really the LED industry trying to get consumers over the high price objection with fear? I’ll keep watching this and let you know if there are any updates.

January 6, 2009

More Recycled Chandeliers

I have had many readers tell me they really like the chandelier from a previous post made from coffee stirrers . So in response, I have hunted down a few more recycled chandeliers that I think are also beautiful and inspiring.

This light of pop art flowers is made from recycled soda bottle bottoms. Artist Michelle Brand says her Cascade Chandelier can be seen two ways, as a grim comment on a throw away culture or an homage to the beauty found in mass produced items. I can see this as being a fun family project when the weather outside is too cold or wet.

Don’t let the color fool you on this next light by Stuart Haygarth. This light is crafted from 416 disposable plastic wine glasses. A pink fluorescent light inside creates the striking color. If this light is too big he also makes one from 280 glasses. I want to know who is drinking all that wine. Stuart Haygarth has made many chandeliers from found objects.

My new favorite of his is made from water bottles confiscated at the airport. It replaces my previous favorite, the Tide chandelier, made from trash that washed up on the shores of the Kent coast line.

You Might Also Like: Recycled Chandeliers

For smaller lights, I admire the work of Johanna Keimeyer. She carves up plastic bottles to create interesting and whimsical pendants.

You Might Also Like: Recycled Lighted Scuplture

August 21, 2008

Preparing for a Storm

If people make a run on emergency supplies and the store shelves are empty try these little tips.

Your top-loading washing machine can be used as an extra cooler. The built-in drain is very convenient.

Heavy appliances like the oven and dryer are great for storing items you can’t pack up. Just remember to take them out before the next time you turn the oven on.

Solar powered garden lights are a great way to light your home at night without adding heat.

Putting a hot water bottle out in the sun during the day will give you warm water to wash your face.

Your SUV may use a lot of gas but it makes a great make-shift tent for sleeping.

Lastly, the number one thing people forget to stock up on…condoms. Remember all the hurricane babies after Charley?