>Talking about lights and LEDs: Notice how many flashlights and those "head-lights" feature powerful LEDs nowadays. In order to look modern nowadays house have to have those halogen lights, but I find them a PITA as they keep blowing (AND give off so much heat) and are dear to replace. Recently, in an electrical wholesalers, I noticed some LED lights in the same housings as the halogen. I asked the guy how long they last in comparison. He said like forever. I forgot to ask if they can be put in existing halogen set-ups. Anyone know?

Certainly LED replacements are available. Use about a 10th of the power and last almost infinitely longer. On the downside they are more expensive and not as bright. Examples:http://www.yourwelcome.co.uk/acatalog/LED.html