Michael Franco

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A creative director withReader's Digestfor ten years, also formerly serving as site editor for a division ofAbout.com, Michael Franco has spent over a decade covering science, technology, hospitality and home improvement. His writing credits includeAngie's List,Good Housekeeping,Consumer Reports, andNational Geographic. A graduate of Ithaca College and Manhattanville College, with a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing, Mr. Franco once owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Amish country. Today, he lives and works in Asheville, NC. Michael Franco onLinkedIn|Google +

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JUNE 3, 2013 | MONDAY
Vinyl Siding 101

Sometimes you’ve got to hand it to prehistoric man. Not because he discovered fire, and not because he invented the wheel. But rather because, so early in history, he struck upon one impo...

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MAY 22, 2013 | WEDNESDAY
5 Unexpected Ways to Use a Vintage Coat Rack

For the most part, free-standing coat racks are a thing of the past. They belong to a time when closets were only deep enough to hold a couple of suits or a few dresses. As the American h...

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MAY 14, 2013 | TUESDAY
For Every Hue, a Mood: Use Color to Make the Most of Every Room

We often choose colors we believe to be an expression of ourselves. But the science of color psychology suggests that we might successfully select paints based, not on who we actually are...

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MAY 5, 2013 | SUNDAY
10 New Uses for Old Doors

With imagination and elbow grease, you can transform that old door into a one-of-a-kind piece that's both useful and beautiful.

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MAY 5, 2013 | SUNDAY
Perk Up Your Pool: Resurfacing in Fiberglass or Plaster

Ah, pools. Whether humble aboveground 15-footers or elaborately designed in-ground beauties, swimming pools are refreshing oases in backyards everywhere. They can be exercise-inducers, p...

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APRIL 24, 2013 | WEDNESDAY
Seeing the Light: New (and Improved) Skylights

There once was a saying among contractors that went, "It’s not if your skylight will leak, it’s when it will leak. " Fortunately, advances in skylight design and installation pr...

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APRIL 17, 2013 | WEDNESDAY
Creative Outlets: 5 "Energy Smart" Options

There are 10 billion electrical outlets in North America, and over the last few years, inventors have been hard at work making them easier, safer, and more energy efficient than ever befo...

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APRIL 10, 2013 | WEDNESDAY
Keep Off the Grass: 5 Alternatives to a Traditional Lawn

To avoid the hassle of ongoing upkeep or to conserve precious resources like water and gasoline—or for both reasons combined—many today are opting to plant drought-resistant grasses. Thes...

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JULY 11, 2012 | WEDNESDAY
Mower Maintenance: 5 Ways to Keep Your Machine Up and Running

This summer, to ensure you’re spending more time enjoying your weekend and not struggling to get your mower to start, make sure you’re taking good care of your equipment. Here are a few t...