Brochure Offers Tips About Light Safety

Fri., Nov. 1, 1996

Susan English Wire Services Contributed To This Re Staff writer

Christmas lights are beautiful, but they can also be dangerous. Last year more than 3,000 people were involved in accidents related to tree lights or electrical holiday decorations.

Underwriters Laboratories has produced a free brochure with guidelines for a safe holiday season. To receive “Decorating for a Safe and Happy Holiday Season,” write UL, Literature Stock, 333 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062.

Here’s a list to ponder

The top bathroom remodeling projects, according to Moen, are (in order): replacing outdated faucets, hanging wallpaper, installing new flooring, toilets, shower systems and vanities, and creating space by installing a pedestal sink.

On the net

Information on hardwood flooring is at your fingertips. Just dial the Hardwood Helpline at (800) 373-WOOD, or head for the Hardwood Information Center on the Web at http:/ /www.hardwood.org.

Improvement tip for the day

The best way to measure before cutting is not to measure. Rather, put the uncut piece of lumber, drywall or carpet in place, make your mark and then cut. This avoids misreading the tape or not transferring the measurement.

Own a Radio Flyer?

Radio Flyer Inc. of Chicago is voluntarily recalling 14,000 Little Wood Wagons, Model No. 6, because paint used on the toys could cause lead poisoning if ingested. The action is being taken in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The red wagons, about 12 inches by 7 inches by 4 inches, were sold nationwide from last June to September. They can be identified by the lack of a manufacturing date decal on the bottom.

Wagons without decals should be returned to the store where purchased for an exchange or refund. Or call Radio Flyer, (800) 621-7613, for information about a free replacement.

An all-new role

If the idea of having a politician at your service as a silent butler appeals to you, you’ll like the latest offering from woodcraft artist Robert DuLong: He’s created a trio of 5-feet by 3-feet wooden figures of “Bigger Big Brother Bill,” “Elder Big Brother Bob” and “Man of the House Nimble Newt.” Their resemblances to President Clinton, Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole and Newt Gingrich are more than passing.

Each limited edition figure holds a red, white and blue tray that can be used during parties to hold beverages, napkins or snacks. Between parties, you might like to place a potted plant on the tray or use it to stack up all the political junk mail. Each figure costs $295, including delivery. For an additional $100, you can have your favorite politician immortalized in the same manner by special order.

To order, or for additional information, call DuLong at his Woodendipity workshop at (800) 876-1928, or write to Woodendipity, 9485 River St., Phoenix, NY 13135-1501.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: BYLINE = Susan English Staff writer Wire services contributed to this report.

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