This list is about as quiet as the local graveyard so i'll venture into a semi-off-topic area. Actually, it is related to energy saving and personal safety which is close.
A few weeks ago i was looking for a way to light up the dog. A black dog gets tripped on at night. About the same time an article in HomePower magazine talked about a dog collar that glowed all night. Unfortunately, the cost was $25 which dampened my interest. Some more research found that light absorbing polymers are now available that glow all night and are used on safety equipment. A little more digging found rugs, housepaint, and even condoms that glow in the dark. One article said "don't confuse cheap glow toys with our product, ours glows all night long" They were talking about tape you put under the toilet seat. No more hunting for the toilet bowl at night, it glows. OK, if the claims are true we might be able to use these glow items as night lights, keychain identifiers, and on things we need at night. One web site had a roll of tape for $12 so we ordered some. I put the tape inside a few door jams so an open door glowed and a closed door did not. At midnight i had to make the usual trip to the bathroom and guess what. The doors glowed. This stuff really works. Anyone who camps needs to have this stuff taped to flashlights and anything needed at night. If you want to see a long list of uses do a web search on "glow in the dark". but, check light retention ratings and only use the good stuff. One web site showed a room taped with safety glow tape. This eliminated the emergency lighting system and saved a bundle of money. When power fails the whole building glows for hours. Another use is for lighted exit signs or signs along highways. For homeowners all paths and steps can be marked with tape. Then, there were the more bizarre uses. People swallow it or paint themselves. It is non-toxic and can be used for medical purposes. Strange art items can be made that glow and special effects can be painted on walls for parties. Are there any problems with this technology? It looks too good to be true. jeff
