John McCain's Lexington Project or Energy Plan differs from Barack Obama's by encouraging more nuclear power plants and drilling for domestic oil and natural gas. It focuses on breaking the stranglehold of oil on our economy by relying on battery power to run our cars and trucks.

Barack Obama's Energy Plan gives us the impression that all we have to do is throw enough money at this problem and it will be solved. Don't be so naive though. Many of the proposals will take years to complete, but some can be realized easily. We tell you what makes sense and what we think should be the top four priorities.

Barak Obama's and John McCain's energy plans suffer from the same old failed policies. They pay too much attention to traditional energy companies, just throw money at the problem, and totally ignore what consumers can do. We offer street smart recommendations that the future new President should consider or at least explain why he won't.

John McCain, Barak Obama and T. Boone Pickens all have energy plans. They have a lot in common, but few new ideas. They all fail to address and confront the major reasons why the United States energy situation is such a mess. We introduce you to the four elephants and explain why tackling them will lead to a better energy future.

Exterior window shutters were used to provide light control, ventilation and privacy. On many of today's homes, window shutters only provide a classic look reminiscent of the houses from the Mediterranean region and England. We tell you how to choose the right size to complete your home's look.

A well thought out porch can dramatically improve the curb appeal of most homes and be functional as well. When planning a porch, consider how deep it will be, sunlight exposure, the width and color of porch columns, flooring and railing.

Everyone is on a budget these days so we have to think of ways to make our home remodeling and decorating projects come to life. Consider hiring a student who is studying architecture, interior design, landscape design or majoring in art.

Home Depot and Lowes do a great job in pulling together thousands of items, supplies and tools needed to do home improvement projects. Where they fall down is that they don't teach people how to do things. This is especially bad news right now since most people have scaled back their large purchases and are focusing on simple repairs.

Woke up this morning to Good Morning America (GMA) as I usually do. Really thought that GMA's ideas about buying a fireplace insert or wood/pellet burning stove were not very good or green. Here's why based on owning a fireplace insert years ago. There are better alternaives to spend our money on.

The US Department of Energy wants to guarantee over $30.5 billion in loans to the private sector to commercialize new energy technologies that will reduce global warming and get us off our addiction to foreign oil. It's about time, but what about providing some loan guarantees to get solar and wind energy projects built by you and me.

You can't turn on the news or log onto the internet without hearing about how bad the real estate market is today. It can be very depressing, especially when you have your house on the market along with the many others available. Buyers have more homes to choose from now, than ever.

Demolishing your existing bathroom requires a strong back, high tolerance for dust and debris and perseverance. Having the right tools will make the job go easier and faster. Take some time to prepare and you'll minimize the dust and grit that seems to find its way to every part of your home.

Recently Al Gore and T. Boone Pickens have both made some pretty exciting statements about moving the U.S. from a fossil fuel-based economy to one based on Solar and Wind Energy. Can it be done? Maybe, but I think they really understate the challenges. In fact they lay the blame to the current energy crisis on the Federal government when in fact "we the people" are the real obstacle.

Despite a poor economy and housing market, you've decided to remodel that 1960's flamingo pink bathroom. Only this time, you're going to do some of the work yourself to stretch your hard earned money. This is doable provided you have the time to plan ahead and keep track of the 30+ items that go into a standard bathroom. Here are some tips and a check list.

With gasoline prices so high, the last thing you need is higher electricity bills. Unfortunately, they are here and will be around for the next 5 years. So here are things to do to manage that bill now and in the future.

Lifestyle Changes

Electricity prices this summer are higher than they were last year and will continue to increase in the next 5 years. The major reason is an over reliance on natural gas fired power plants and long lead times and uncertainty in building coal, nuclear and renewable energy projects.

Drive around some of the close in Washington DC metro areas like Chevy Chase, Bethesda, and Arlington and you will still find large numbers of homes being remodeled or totally renovated. Didn't anyone bother to tell these people that the housing market is over priced by 25 percent? Apparently not. So what's behind all this activity.

A slow home remodeling market may result in lower construction costs. This doesn't mean that you can get things done for nothing. Nor does it make it easier to find a good contractor. In fact, it may be more challenging.

Generating electricity from solar panels installed on roof tops is not a new idea. More people who live in condominiums and co-op apartments are now considering this solar option. They are tired of rising electricity costs and want to embrace renewable energy.

To avoid significant future expenditures on your dream house, your home inspection should focus on foundation settling, water and drainage, cooking vents, electrical outlets and mold.

Avoiding houses with very significant problems in the above areas will save you money and help you stay healthy. Some problems can be remedied easily and others have to be monitored.