It's been quite a while since homeowners have felt it's worthwhile to put good money into their houses. Given years of declining home values, there has been little hope of getting one's money back with major remodeling projects. A new report indicates that in the months ahead, however, owners will be picking up their hammers - or at least hiring plenty of contractors and handymen - in what's expected to be a major growth period for remodeling. More

By Reuben Saltzman

After years of use, gas fireplaces often develop a cloudy white haze on the glass.  This white haze makes the flames difficult to see, ruins any potential illusion that you're looking at a real fireplace, and really kills the mood.  Ok, maybe that's a little dramatic, but it is annoying. 

Last year was a difficult year for the ethanol fuel industry (supplying fuel for fireplaces, firepots and decorative ethanol burning devices). There were several injuries that occurred, almost all through misuse of the fuel and disregard for warnings and labels.