A. Straw bale houses date back more than a century in the U.S. Today, they are becoming more popular throughout the world because of their energy efficiency, use of a waste material and global warming concerns. Straw is considered a waste product ... more

The DC07 is a very popular model from Dyson. The Dyson DC07 boasts power, functionality and ease of use. But, does the unit deliver on its promises? The DC07 from Dyson is an upright vacuum cleaner. There's no denying its suction power. This is ... more

Just about everyone has heard of the memory foam mattress phenomenon. But Are the touted benefits of memory foam for real? Will we still be buying visco-elastic mattress in 10 year's time? They've all come and gone; latex mattresses, air mattresses ... more

While not a common back-yard species, the yellow-billed cuckoo is a summer resident in the southern, central and western edge of the state. It's easily identified by its black-and-white tail pattern and the yellow bill. The yellow-billed cuckoo is ... more

I am looking for small appliances to build into a tiny kitchen. Can you help? MC, London SW19. There are free-standing compact versions of most kitchen appliances, but none designed specifically for building in. To most manufacturers, the term ... more

Where can I find glass room dividers that run on tracks in the ceiling or the floor? RG, Claverley, Staffordshire. There are three companies you can try. Go Glass supplies top-hung interior sliding doors in frameless, clear, tinted or etched glass. ... more

Most menorahs are candelabras with seven candles. A menorah used at Hanukkah has eight candles and is called a Hanukkiah (hon-uh-KEE-ah). Eight candles celebrate the eight days the lamp burned. Usually a ninth is included as a "servant" candle, from ... more

The best would be squirrel-proof feeders, but if you don't want to go that route, then you can try dusting your birdseed with chili powder before putting it in the feeder. They sell expensive "squirrel-repellent" mixtures in birding stores like ... more

My guidelines are to enjoy yourself and keep it simple. Massing a single flower type or colour tone is always a winner. Using the right container also helps. There are so many "rules" and old wives' tales in floristry. I hope my book will help to ... more

Trees come in all shapes and sizes but here’s a basic question: What type of pine tree would you like to have? • Douglas firs – Probably the most popular of pine trees for use as Christmas trees. They’re colored dark bluish-green. What’s great with ... more