If anyone in your family (or even your pet) has long hair, you’ve probably had trouble with your vacuum cleaner getting weaker or losing suction. It’s even happened to our powerful Dyson, which claims right on the vacuum that it’s “The first vacuum cleaner that doesn’t lose suction.” We have the Dyson DC07 Bagless Vacuum and we love it. Every few months, though, we have to give it a “haircut.”

Since I have had very long hair for most of my life, I have done this several times. This method works with other types of upright vacuums as well, both baggless and bagged. I have found the Dyson to be the easiest to clean.

I never heard of anyone else who has ever given their vacuum a “haircut,” so I was very surprised to see it mentioned in the Dyson instruction manual. The official directions are buried on page 7 of the 14 page instruction manual, under the heading “Where to Look for Blockages.”

Here’s how I do it:

• First gather your supplies. You will need a coin or large screwdriver, scissors, a garbage can, and if you like, a face mask and/or latex gloves.
• Make sure your Dyson vacuum is off and unplugged. Gently lay it down on the ground.
• With the bottom of the vacuum facing you, you should see three colored “screws.” Turn these colored fasteners with a coin or a large screwdriver. You should hear a “click” when it is turned all the way.
• You may want to put on a face mask for the next part, especially if you have any respiratory problems. The faceplate should lift off easily, releasing a lot of dust. You should be able to view the brushbar, probably entwined with a lot of hair, thread, etc. This is what causes the loss of suction.
• With a pair of scissors, carefully cut through the hair and thread, making sure to avoid the bristles of the brush. I usually cut along the middle of one side, then rotate the brushbar and cut along the middle of the other side.
• All of the long hairs and threads can now be easily removed with your fingers. Wear a pair of latex gloves, if desired.
• When all the obstructions are removed, put the faceplate back on and turn the three “screws.”
• Stand your vacuum upright, plug it in, and test it by vacuuming all the stray hair and dust that just got dislodged. You should see a marked improvement immediately.

Hopefully this will save someone the hassle of hauling their vacuum cleaner into a repair shop or even buying a new vacuum all together. Please let me know in the comments section if it works for you.

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A couple of weeks ago, we bought the highly-rated Wii console from Nintendo. I was surprised to find it in stock at our local GameStop store. For anyone who doesn’t know, the Wii console have been selling out consistently at Target and Walmart. It is almost impossible to buy the Wii console online without paying a premium price.

What we think

Hands down, it is the most enjoyable, affordable gaming console we have ever owned. Even when you are not playing, you’re having fun watching people swing that remote around. Both Sammy and Sophie want their own remotes.

Sammy’s favorite games are boxing (WiiSports) and Charge! (WiiPlay). He still needs to improve his hand-eye coordination, but it’s getting better. He’ll be knocking out his old man in no time.

I just preordered Mario Party 8. It is said to be the “Must Have” for the Wii. Hopefully it lives up to the hype when it is released at the end of this month. We only have two games now but we’re on the lookout for more family friendly games.

Got any Mii’s?

We have a few celebrity Mii’s that we’ve been trading with our Wii buddies.

Here’s what we have so far:

• Hiro from Heroes
• Jack Black
• Paris
• WackoJacko (MJ)

Here’s our Wii number: 0285 3714 9875 3987. If you have a Wii and want us to add you, post your number in the comments below.

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I was searching for a durable sleeve to cover my Apple MacBook so it can play well with my Dell laptop in my backpack. I didn’t need to get another laptop bag. All I needed was a laptop sleeve to slip my Apple MacBook into so that the case doesn’t get scuffed up in my bag. Yes, I know I’m spoiling it.

In my search, a co-worker recommended the SleeveCase by WaterField Designs. I decided to give it a try and ordered one a few days ago. The order process was painless. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to get a personalized note from Melissa written on the sales receipt thanking me for my order. You never get that kind of attention from Amazon.com.

You can call me obsessive on the number of pictures, but I wanted to be able to take as many photos for those who are curious to know how well the sleeve worked with the Apple MacBook. When searching for a quality sleeve, I didn’t find any photos with the Apple MacBook and SleeveCase side by side… until now.

Here are the photos:

Laptop sleeve from WaterField Designs. This is the vertical orientation SleeveCase sized perfectly for the 13inch MacBook.

Showing the other side of the sleeve.

Slid the MacBook halfway into the sleeve.

Snug fit of the MacBook into the SleeveCase.

The strap latches securely.

MacBook sitting on top of sleeve with my site displayed shamelessly.

Resting nicely on top of sleeve.

Different angle.

Final thoughts: The case is well made and very sturdy for less than $50 shipped. The MacBook slides tightly into the sleeve. There’s no chance for it to slip out even if you didn’t have the strap securing the opening. When ordering, you have different options such as horizontal orientation (sleeve opens from the side), a flap to fully cover the opening and a shoulder strap (at additional costs). I picked the vertical opening because that’s how I will be storing it in my backpack. I wanted the option to be able to slide out my laptop without taking the sleeve out of the bag.

I can’t fully comment on the protection since I’ve only had it for a day. I’ve heard you can toss and drop the sleeve with the laptop inside. I don’t think I will be testing that intentionally any time soon.

Be sure to check out the SleeveCase when shopping for a sleeve for your laptop.

Update (11/14/06): Amazon.com has a durable alternative to the SleeveCase (Brenthaven Edge I Sleeve) available for roughly the same price.

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