A secret to drying clothes? Liquid

Clothes dryers are the second biggest hog of household energy, according to the Department of Energy. Most are so similar in terms of power hunger that the Energy Star label of efficient appliances doesn't even mark dryers.

By this fall, however, consumers could enjoy faster, greener, and safer clothes dryers that draw half the power of conventional models, according to Hydromatic Technologies Corporation.

Its Dryer Miser technology would dry garments 41 percent more quickly without shrinking as much or stinking them up with the odor of burnt lint, said Michael Brown, the inventor and company president.

He plans to sell the Dryer Miser in the fall as a US$300 retrofit kit that he says could be added to existing dryers in 20 minutes by a technician. Up to 40 percent of dryers from Whirlpool, the top brand in the market, as well as others, could be converted.

The company is also working with a large European appliance manufacturer to integrate the technology into a scratch-built dryer model.

Liquid is the key ingredient to drying clothes more quickly, according to Brown.

"We used NASA and MIT engineers to prove the technology is an oxymoron and (that) I'm not a moron," said Brown.


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Power strip may keep fire marshal away

OK, so a power strip might not seem very crushworthy, but how many of us have cursed conventional versions over not providing adequate space for a multitude of bricks? In fact, some of us at Crave are on the fire marshal's watchlist for maintaining masses of under-desk cords, adapters, and extensions.

Enter the Socket Sense Surge Strip, which claims to be "the first and only surge strip with six fully adjustable sockets that expand and contract to fit any power adapter". It's not cheap--the strip retails for US$40, according to Popgadget--but the manufacturer says it can "do the job of two ordinary surge strips". Even if it doesn't, it's still a lot cheaper than repairing damage from an electrical fire. We were going to inquire about a bulk discount, but that might just raise more red flags.

Via Crave CNET

Tickle your Valentine with this Elmo

Enjoy hours of fun and laughter with your other half this Valentine's Day with the latest T.M.X. Elmo Extra Special Edition from Fisher-Price. Unlike the original T.M.X. Elmo which simply breaks into uncontrollable laughter and rolls on the floor when tickled, the new Elmo now even sings. And when moved and tickled in a particular sequence, hidden actions are activated.

For example, lifting Elmo's arm and tickling his stomach at the same time gets him dancing, giggling and singing to the tune of Maniac from the movie musical Flash Dance. You can also launch Elmo into series of hiccups by raising his right arm, moving his face to his toes, turning the power switch off and then on, followed by tickling his feet. Check out some videos which better explain how the hidden actions are activated.

The T.M.X. Elmo Extra Special Edition is currently available in selected toy stores and retails for about US$29.99 in the US. Like its predecessor, you can expect to pay a slight premium if you are buying this in Asia. Elmo runs on six AA-sized batteries.

Toast Valentine's Day with this little stamper

Poetry on toast may seem cheesy to some. But for those who have a really hard time uttering those three simple words, for US$5.38, this plastic toast embosser could help you declare your lurve in a novel way. Not to mention score some toasty moments under the sheets. You can almost imagine the dopey smile on his/her face when you surprise your recipient with breakfast in bed on Valentine's. Goes even better with a generous chunk of bling bling on the side. And don't toss this into the trash after. It's definitely good for more than just a one-time use!

Philips Imageo sets hearts on fire

Who says you need real candles for a romantic dinner? Philips' Imageo candlelights are just as dreamy, if not better. What's more you don't have to deal with an open flame or dripping wax, unless you are into that kind of excitement. At the heart of the Imageo is an LED source that's configured to mimic the flicker of a real candlelight.

There's no on/off switch and to turn it on, you simply tilt the candle. Doing it once should impress your date and when you do it the second time, she'll start asking how you managed the trick. Any further attempts could potentially render you an idiot, so just leave it at that and be nonchalant about it.

The Imageo candlelight is available in sets of three and comes with a storage base that doubles as a conduction charging unit. If you are not out to impress, perhaps one stick (Candle Mini) will do. It's currently available in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia for S$99 (set of three), but if you really must have one of these, Amazon carries it, too.

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