killer house
We love our homes. They provide us with warmth, shelter and, best of all, security. That's why it's so darn shocking when they turn against us. Like it or not, a house can be a virtual arsenal of lethal weapons. Whether its poisonous gasses, fiery flames, rabid bats or electrocuting appliances, even the sweetest Colonial Revival can be as armed and dangerous as Rambo on a bad day. Here are 4 ways our home sweet homes can take us down. -Keith Pandolfi

See more ways your home can be deadly at thisoldhouse.com.


electrical
1. Uncontrolled Electrical Currents

If old Ben Franklin only knew the careless way some of us deal with electricity these days, he would've kept his discovery to himself. Whether it's overwhelming a frayed extension cord with holiday lights, or exposed outlets like the one taped to a conductive metal support in this flood-prone basement, home electrocutions account for around 1,000 deaths each year in the U.S alone. At the least this homeowner could have used a GFCI receptacle so

Before_sunrise

Assay: It has been years since I saw the movie Before Sunrise, but I often find myself thinking about a snippet of conversation from the movie. I finally went back to look up the exact words.

The movie is about two twenty-somethings (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) who meet on a train in Europe and the one night they spend hanging out together.

I've never forgotten this scene, because I know exactly what both of them are talking about.

On the one hand, I often have a strange feeling of dress rehearsal, of

You make well-meaning resolutions to improve your life. But your resolutions fade under the stress of multiple demands on your time and attention. Oftentimes the resolutions are history before the month is done. How can we ensure that we actually benefit from the good intentions that we made with such conviction?

Many years ago I made an earnest resolution to work less and to spend more time on my personal life, family and health. Being a type A personality, it was easier to say that than to follow through. By late in the same month, as I am running through another airport, I realized that I am already back to my old pattern of working seven days a week. On the next plane ride I took the time to ask myself a few hard questions. From that experience I developed these Five Guidelines to have a Happier, Healthier and more Successful Life. Isn't that what we are ultimately after?

1. Make resolutions that you can manage. Specify your desired end result and make the goals

Think of it this way: Unlike a rug, lamp, or hat, you can't take it back-or at least not easily. That's why it's called a major appliance. Here's how to avoid major buyer's remorse. Find more tips on purchasing appliances at thisoldhouse.com. -Deborah Baldwin

appliances
1. Never Make an Impulse Buy

Admit it-you almost bought a car once because it had really great cup holders. You can avoid similar behavior in an appliance showroom by making a list of your priority features ("energy efficient," "lifetime warranty"). Staple it to a list of competing showrooms and Web retailers so you can comparison shop for the best model with the best combination of features at the best price. Wait for a sale if you can; they say fall is the best hunting season because showrooms are trying to clear space for next year's models. Whenever you go, ask a friend with a level head to come along.

MORE: Colorful Countertop Small Appliances

appliances
2. Make Sure You Don't Destroy the Foyer

You'd be surprised by how many

by Starre Vartan, Mother Nature Network

Washing machineLaundry is probably my favorite household chore, but nevertheless, it's still work, and I'd rather not be doing it. If laundry is threatening to take over your life (or you just want to save some time and money), there are some simple ways to save yourself by starting at the root: what goes into the laundry hamper.

[ Related: How to make your own laundry detergent ]

Wear your clothes more often: This seems obvious, but many of us throw perfectly clean clothing in the hamper, just to get it out of the way, and all of a sudden, there's a mountain of laundry. While the items that are closest to your body definitely need a good wash every time they're worn (undershirts, sports bras, undies, boxers), other clothes, especially jeans, sweatshirts and sweatpants to lounge in, pajamas, sweaters, some shirts and jackets can go two (or in the case of jeans, a dozen or more) wears without washing.

Some people even suggest that denim washing need only be a

Tune in to a major music producer Kannon "Caviar" Cross on Urbanmusicbuzz as he shares his life story as a producer and working with some of the biggest names of hip hop and R&b artists in the music scene today.

Kannon has known R&b celebrity Cee Lo Green for awhile and recently was called upon to produce Cee Lo on his new solo album. As we already know Cee Lo Green is one the the hottest R&b artists with his recent hit song, "Forget You" which is a fun soulful song that will get one shakin' their booty around. Kannon is excited about this recent up and coming project working with Cee Lo.

He's also worked with Grammy winning female R&b artist Macy Gray and is also getting ready to work on another album with her.

Cross is no stranger to the Rap and Hiphop scene working with rap superstars such as T.I., Eazy-E, to name a few and produces these major artists at his Vault Studios off the Sunset Strip in Hollywood.

There is so much to know about Kannon

i have been working on myself over winter break and i think that is a good thing that i did do that for myself