Fluorescent lantern suggestions for emergency home use? [more inside]
posted by ae4rv on Mar 18, 2009 - 10 answers

Why do "specialty"-shaped compact fluorescent bulbs take longer to come to full brightness than CFL bulbs in the more standard helical shape? [more inside]
posted by Juffo-Wup on Jan 27, 2009 - 7 answers

On the TV show ReGenesis, the scientists constantly scribble with markers on big, transparent boards — here's a clip, and here's another. I am guessing that they are using fluorescent wet-erase markers, perhaps in combination with a black-light lamp to make the paint visible in such low light. Where can I buy a setup like this?
posted by gentle on Oct 5, 2008 - 7 answers

Are there some specific CFL models that will light just like my old soft incandescent light bulbs? [more inside]
posted by metajc on Sep 12, 2008 - 13 answers

Fluorescent tube (large one) broke in kitchen. I am freaking out now and didn't follow proper procedures to clean it up. Am I going to get sick and die of mercury poisoning? [more inside]
posted by rainygrl716 on May 4, 2008 - 23 answers

Help me de-eighties my bathroom lights! [more inside]
posted by LN on Mar 19, 2008 - 5 answers

Let's say there are two identical light fixtures, on two identical dimmer switches. One fixture has two 15W dimmer-compatible compact fluorescent lights, the other has two standard 60W incandescent bulbs. The dimmer switches are turned just beyond the "off" position to the "dimmest" position (identical on both dimmers). What will the difference in power utilization be between the two fixtures?
posted by eschatfische on Feb 27, 2008 - 8 answers

Can I make a freestanding fluorescent light fixture like this or this from a regular fluorescent light fixture and bulb? [more inside]
posted by Infernarl on Feb 26, 2008 - 4 answers

Could anyone please help a fellow videographer out with advice on fluorescent lighting kits? Lengthy extended question is enclosed. [more inside]
posted by MeetCleaverTheatre on Jan 18, 2008 - 5 answers

My cube is as bright as an operating room. Help me save my eyesight and sanity. [more inside]
posted by desjardins on Jan 7, 2008 - 17 answers

I’m no photographer, but a friend has asked me to use her Canon A610 camera to take a few photos of some kids, who’ll be wearing pageant costumes, in what she says is a large, high-ceilinged, windowless room lit by bright fluorescent lights. I can’t get to the room early and won’t have time to experiment once I’m there. What setting(s) should I use on this camera? (Assume I’ve considered and rejected the possibility of using a different camera or hiring a photographer.) I’d like to be able to give her decently-lit pictures with natural-looking color. [more inside]
posted by Dave 9 on Nov 27, 2007 - 9 answers

I want to go! The company is sponsiring "Yes, literally, bring an idea and we’ll buy lunch." However I have no idea to bring! Maybe some of you creative types could help me come up with one! [more inside]
posted by Relly70 on Jul 16, 2007 - 40 answers

The Aerogarden. How noisy? How hackable? Any alternatives that are also "easy" enough for my non-specialist friends? [more inside]
posted by allterrainbrain on Feb 15, 2007 - 16 answers

It seems that taillights have evolved rather radically from their humble origins, now featuring LED configurations spanning cars' entire back ends. Why hasn't this kind of innovation been seen with headlights? [more inside]
posted by limeonaire on Nov 25, 2006 - 15 answers

How to: multiple fluorescent light fixtures on one circuit [more inside]
posted by plinth on Apr 17, 2006 - 7 answers

I live in an apartment overseas in China. If any of you have been over here you know how asthetically unpleasing apartments here are: no carpet, dirty white walls, wood furniture with no padding. I'm adjusting to most things fine, but the lighting in my rooms is driving my crazy. Each room is equipped with a long (a little over a meter) white fluorescent bulb. Obviously, I can just not use it at all and just use lamps and such, but I'd rather not buy a bunch of lamps since I'll live here for less than a year. What suggestions do ya'll have for making the lighting nicer on the eyes and more "homey" feeling? [more inside]
posted by riverjack on Dec 10, 2005 - 32 answers

Fluorescent light problem:

I have a fluorescent light fixture in my bathroom using two, different-sized, doughnut-shaped bulbs. Lately it's been taking a long time to turn on (15-30 minutes) after I throw the switch in the morning. If the fixture has been running for a while, this warm-up time seems to go down. Does this sound like a ballast problem (and thus my landlord's problem), or a light-bulb problem (mine)? I'm leaning to ballast because the lights look fine once they start, but I haven't been able to find the same symptoms on the half dozen fluorescent lighting websites I've looked at so far.
posted by cardboard on Jul 16, 2004 - 5 answers