When it comes to our life style and living habits relative to cleanliness and food, you donÂt need a medical or science degree to conclude that our entire system and thinking are designed to accomplish two undesirable goals, i.e. the weakest humans and nastiest germs from generation to generation. We are already beginning to run out of chemistry to kill off some of the newer microbes. Who is to blame? You know the answer. Previously In another thread, I mentioned that I do make a distinction between being sloppy and unsanitary, and that I have an unusual method to keep my living area healthy, which I choose not to elaborate at that time. Perhaps I should talk about it now. Without going into a lot about our bodyÂs natural defense mechanism, and the whole science about good germs and bad germs, I believe there is always a perfect balance of nature; we are all part of the chain of food cycle. The moment you begin to upset the balance, the benefit you get may just be temporary. I donÂt have the desire or time to keep my living space spotless and surgically sanitary. I more or less just keep everything somewhat acceptable, whatever that means. I only do a major tidy up when I expect company. I donÂt use any chemicals to sanitize, as I feel that whatever is strong enough to kill germs will also be harmful to your body. I use a 55 watt UV germicidal light which I made myself to once in a while clean the various areas in the house. I use it mostly to eliminate odor causing microbes. I donÂt worry about sickness causing germs unless someone who is very sick just visited my house. UV light is very effective in killing microorganisms. ThatÂs why it is used extensively in hospitals and medical facilities. However I donÂt recommend anyone to use it unless you really know what it can do. It can cause various physical harms, it can bleach certain colors, it can degrade rubber and plastics, it can generate ozone gas which is harmful to humans and damaging to sterling silver wares, etc. When I use my 55 watt UV light, I normally put it on a timer and I use it when there is no one in the house. A 6 watt UV light wand is not much use if you use it only for a few seconds. dcarch My home-made 55W UV germicidal light

Maureen, thanks for the report!!! Good to know it actually works. Not buying it, but good to know. Re cake testers, I love mine (just like Annie's, but I know where it is), because I used to use a bamboo skewer. The wire leaves a much smaller hole. The loop end is dipped in tool goop for an easy, cool grip. Costs pennies. Worth it, though you could make one--just wrap the end around a dowel and twist tightly, then dip and dry. I tried to find a picture on Amazon and found a whole bunch of overpriced, overimproved ones that are too thick and have fancy holder ends, that could, conceivably, come off. At least one was over $10!!! Ridiculous! There was one expensive one that would be sort of worth it: Food safe nickel silver with fancy bead and curlique end for $7.50. But, even though these are really cute, they're short and lumpy and I think the simple, loop ended one is more useful. Oh. Here's one.

Went today to BBB to get the over the sink roll out dish mat - the saleslady had never heard of it. I showed her the GW pic -she looked online & ordered two (one for my brother's new kitchen) with 20% off each & free shipping. She really liked it. I also got two Charles Viancin lids (20% off) & a replacement Oxo dish scrubber. I'll be ordering the Danish Dough Whisk & a few other things from Amazon. I have to track down Bpathman's recipe/menu holder. i also got the 4 piece Tupperware FridgeSmart set on Ebay. Thanks all.

Something useful that you use regularly doesn't qualify to me as a gadget. It's a tool. Something that is useful to one is a spacewaster to others. I don't cook as much and as "involved" as I used to and the functional tools have evolved due to necessity. I use a microwave often. And I use it for cooking, not just heating water. I use the little convection oven quite regularly. Don't need the big oven much anymore and I thought I'd regret the double oven stove I had which featured a small oven that I used most often. And I do miss that stove but I wasn't comfortable with its safety and wanted to get rid of the corning top. One "gadget" that is still a tool, though sadly a one trick pony is the Jar Pop® and I keep a couple strap wrenches handy also for opening jars. I usually abhor one-trick ponies but I equally dislike multi-tools that do nothing well. So I walk the like there. I almost bought a KitchenAid mixer a number of years ago but decided, being it was so big and heavy I likely would not use it often and I'm glad I didn't waste the money on it and for me, it would have been a waste. I'm glad I trashed the slow cookers in favor of Nescos. Rice cooker? Not for me. My sister likes hers but admits she doesn't use it often. Used to use an electric frypan all the time but haven't used one in years now. Might try it out again.