Since launching 3LUXE I’ve been surprised by the popularity of our turntable selections . However, the popularity has nothing to do with nostalgia, but a desire to archive valuable record collections to a digital format. Two of the record players selected connect directly to a computer and convert classic records into portable MP3s that can be enjoyed anywhere.

Since it’s a rainy Saturday here in Saint Paul, I decided to get caught up on some reading. The latest WIRED magazine included Transfer Tickets: The Best and Worst in VHS-to-DVD Converters. The review included four devices that allow you to transfer VHS tapes to DVD. As someone who has a large collection of personal video on VHS this is a great find. My favorite is the solution from Pinnacle Systems, Dazzle DVD Recorder.

For under $50.00 this solution is perfect, allowing you to easily plug your VCR into your PC with a USB connection. It allows you to declutter – box up all your old VHS tapes and the VCR. And unlike standalone hardware solutions, it doesn’t add another video component into your entertainment system.

Pinnacle has a long history as a leader in video editing and continuously gets highly rated in reviews from both users and professionals. This device is no exception, it’s a simple device to move video collection from VHS to DVD. The Dazzle DVD Recorder keeps it simple – tape to DVD. One recommendation, before transferring your videos, check Pinnacle’s website to download the latest driver and software updates.

As an added bonus, Amazon has Dazzle DVD Recorder on sale for $44.99 with free shipping.

All the best,
Bill

Anyone who has a garden has thought about composting. But for many of us it’s a little too much work, especially when it -3° here in Minnesota. Today Daily Candy featured the NatureMill PLUS. A convenient, indoor, odorless, under the sink composter. Put in your trash, leftovers, apple cores etc. and the NatureMill PLUS does the rest. You put in up to 60 pounds of waste, and approximately every 2 weeks an indicator light comes on signaling you to remove a tray of concentrated compost fertilizer. Food for your garden and great for the environment. The NatureMill Plus only costs about $0.50/month to operate and will divert over two tons of waste from landfills over its life.

All the best,
Bill

Halloween is a last minute holiday for me (along with Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc). What I mean by last minute, if it were up to me, all preparations would be done on the 30th or 31st of October. Lucky for me, I have an incredibly organized wife who has had the kid’s costumes done for weeks, picked up pumpkins at the Farmer’s Market, and decorated the house. She even bought the candy a month ago – that one leaves me a little bewildered, we’ve had to restock once, and we’ll be picking up more Wednesday. What does that leave for me? Make sure we have batteries for the flashlights and if I’m really on top of things, buying a new flashlight.

As a kid, I remember the excitement of taking my dad’s flashlight Trick or Treating, rivaled the joy of stocking up on Snickers and Tootsie Pops. After all what is better for a kid than getting dressed up and having the green light to roam the streets after dark. It’s a once a year pass, and a trusty flashlight was always part of that ritual for me.

Flashlight technology has come along way from the Eveready flashlight I carried on Halloween years ago, but it wasn’t until 3LUXE completed our research for “Best Of” flashlights that I realized just how far technology has advanced. Check out the following flashlights, if you’re like me, you’ll save these for yourself and let the kid’s take out the old one:

L4 LumaMax Flashlight – This flashlight fits in the palm of your hand, allowing you to take it wherever you go. Even with its compact size, you don’t sacrifice performance. It produces a clean bright beam of light that outperforms a standard two D-cell flashlight seven times.

AE Power Light Flashlight – Oxo International prefers to call this flashlight a “personal searchlight” and with a beam that shines 3,000 feet, I understand why. With this flashlight I don’t even have to leave my yard to keep an eye on the boys (this tends to annoy my neighbors and all of the costumed beggars caught in the cross beam).

Lumaray FL 12-RX Flashlight – This LED Flashlight has 2 features I really like. The first – you can stand it on end and it’s bright enough to illuminate the entire room – perfect for power failures. The other feature I like is its slow drain battery feature, that not only saves battery life, but gives you a consistent beam over the life of the batteries.

Whatever flashlight you decide to take – enjoy the evening and have a happy Halloween.

All the best,
Bill