Before ditching expired electronics like laptops, cell phones and televisions, know this: All those gizmos are loaded with toxins like cadmium, mercury and lead. When those electronics sit around in landfills, substances can leak out into soil and waterways, wreaking havoc on ecosystems. As for recycling programs, much of consumers' electronic waste, or e-waste, gets shipped to developing nations with lax laws. Workers disassembling the  devices expose themselves to all kinds of noxious poisons. But just as e-waste's dirty secrets continue to come to light, many safe, eco-friendly disposal options also appear. Read on for the best ways to get rid of old electronics.

We're a completely connected family.  We have a business from home, homeschool our kids, and center much of our entertainment around digital and web-based content.  Not only does staying "online" keep us current on what's going on around us, it has helped keep some of the best resources affordable to our remotely-located rural family.  So what does it take to set up an effective home network for work and entertainment in your household? These 5 tips and not much else!

The iPod Touch is known for two things: its ability to store and play back music, and its large library of apps. The iPhone is the same device but with phone functionality and a 3G data connection. If you have either, you've probably guessed that they're great for apps that enhance your music-listening experience.

There are at least hundreds or maybe thousands of music apps for the iPhone and iPod touch. Some of them are fantastic -- some not so much. Consider this list of 10 apps a sampler of the best the Apple App Store has to offer.  Each one is both popular and highly rated by iPhone and iPod Touch owners like you, but we'll admit we've also selected some personal favorites!

This list wouldn't be complete without feedback from you, our readers, so be sure to tell us which apps you'd add in the comments.

"We all live in a yellow submarine" says the popular Beatles tune. In an age of encapsulating iPhones and captivating computer screens, it is easy to forget that there is such a thing as the outside world. If you're stuck indoors, however, there are still many ways to get reminders of the natural life that exists on the other side.

I rent a little writing office, and I recently acquired an office mate. She was all set to move in when I realized I was embarrassed to have anyone see my workspace, let alone share it. At the time, it was a barren closet packed with boxes and junk I'd dragged in from the car.

It's truly a great time to be a music lover online, as a host of startups, independent musicians, and creative thinkers are increasingly banding together to re-invent the music industry for the digital age. More mainstream artists and labels, although slower to catch on, are also stepping in to solve lingering licensing problems and legal disputes that have plagued music's transition to the online world.


With all the new gadgets and gizmos flooding the market daily, it's easy to understand why some folks think technology is totally overwhelming. But au contrair, technophobes: Their are plenty of products and services that can actually declutter your life, cut back on waste and help you live a greener, cleaner and more stress-free lifestyle. Read on for the green tech that can help organize even the most cluttered life.

I'm no iPhone evangelist. I acknowledge it's groundbreaking technology, it's extremely useful, fun, beautiful, etc., etc., but I can't seem to get past what it does to its owners. I'll spare you the full-on soapbox, but I believe that people's love affairs with their iPhones -- complete with the stroking and the fawning and the moon-eyed gushing -- tend to interfere with their real-life activities. Things like walking. Looking at people. Noticing what's happening right next to them. The iPhone is just TOO fun and useful. It competes a little too successfully with real life.




Have you ever spent a half hour decoding a weight and time chart that promise to help you perfectly roast that $100 prime rib, only to discover, a few hours later when guests arrive that the only person with teeth strong enough to cut through the dry, overcooked boulder in the kitchen is the family dog?