Daylight Savings Time (DST) was first implemented during World War I as a means to help Americans conserve energy.  Since electric lights were the main consumers of energy at the time, the idea was that by adding an extra hour of daylight at the end of the day, people would use less energy.

Since 1919, daylight savings has been in and out of use.  Following World War I, daylight savings was optional; the Uniform Time Act of 1966 made the practice national law.  During World War II, daylight saving was practiced year-round; President Nixon enacted a 15-month-long daylight saving period in response to the 1974 energy crisis.  Currently we observe DST, setting our clocks back one hour in the fall and forward one hour in the spring.

So does it work?  Not really.

The fact is that modern technology has dramatically changed the way we use electricity.  Today the humble light bulb accounts for just 3.5% of North America’s total electricity consumption.  Studies have shown that there is no concrete correlation between daylight savings and energy conservation.  And as more of our electronic devices improve their energy efficiency, it seems silly to maintain a practice that complicates domestic and international timekeeping; disrupts travel, corporate billing, medical devices and sleep patterns; and causes problems for industries that rely on the sun, like farming and transportation.

There are now many activists groups calling for an end to DST, urging a shift to permanent DST with no time changes.

Buying a digital camera as a present or to capture your own memories can be scary. The huge number of features offered on digital cameras today can be overwhelming. In an effort to differentiate its products in a highly competitive marketplace, each digital camera manufacturer seems to emphasize the importance of different features. Unless you’re an experienced photographer, it can be difficult to tell which features will actually help you take a better picture. A 2009 survey by Consumer Reports magazine found that nearly half of the digital camera owners only used their camera’s most basic features. Few knew what special features their camera offered and even fewer understood how to use them.

The five most important things to consider when choosing a digital camera are:

Price— If you’re shopping at the low end of the scale, you’ll find many excellent point-and-shoot cameras on the market. Better picture resolution (how sharp and clear photos appear), a greater number of features, and longer zoom range are the primary features that drive up price. SLR digital cameras, which offer the greatest versatility and best picture quality, command the highest prices. If you’re an avid photographer or professional, an SLR’s premium features may be worth the added cost; but the average consumer will find the features and picture quality of less expensive point-and-shoot cameras more than adequate.

Use— How you plan to use your camera should be your most important consideration when evaluating camera performance and features. Most people purchase easy-to-use, point-and-shoot digital cameras that automatically adjust camera settings for each shot. Even low-priced, basic digital cameras do a good job of taking 4×6-family scrapbook pictures. If you plan to focus on action shots, panoramic landscapes, close-up photography, or regularly enlarge your photos, you’ll want to purchase a high-end point-and-shoot camera or a digital SLR camera that offers a wider range of features and superior picture quality.

Performance— Today’s digital cameras are easier to use, offer better picture quality, have faster shutter speeds (less blur when photographing moving subjects), and offer special features that automatically adjust the camera for available light and subject matter. Image quality is the most important performance attribute. As a rule of thumb, you’ll find that the greater the resolution (measured in megapixels), the sharper the photo image. For 4×6 photos, you won’t notice an appreciable difference in photo quality between 10 megapixel cameras and less expensive 7 or 8 megapixel cameras. However, if you regularly enlarge your photos to 5×7 or 8×10, you’ll want a camera that offers 10 or more megapixels. Choose the superior resolution of an SLR digital camera if you want sharp images on photos enlarged to 12×16 or poster-size.

Features— Digital cameras offer an astounding number of features. You may find the following features to be most useful:

• Image stabilization which corrects for shaky hands or zoom motion so pictures don’t blur.
• Wireless capability that allows photos to be transferred to a PC without a cable or card.
• Touch-screen display for fast, easy use. Larger display screens also make menus easier to read and show greater image detail when composing or reviewing photos.
• Face detection that automatically adjusts focus and exposure settings to concentrate on faces, not the background.
• Zoom button that allows you to easily zoom in for close objects or zoom out to bring distant objects into focus.

Unfortunately, digital camera makers seem to be phasing out two features that are popular with 75% of camera users. Digital cameras that offer these features are worth considering:

• A viewfinder that allows you to compose photos the old-fashioned way by peering through a small viewer when bright light makes the LCD screen difficult to see.
• Ability to take high-quality photos in low-light without a flash.

How you plan to use your camera and personal preference determine how valuable other features may be to you. The date stamp is a common feature we all know about, but some cameras also offer geographic tagging which imprints photos with the location where they were taken. Although great in theory, it seems that few consumers actually use it. Smile detection and panoramic mode are two other features rarely used by mainstream consumers. However, features that can be useful are:

• Landscape mode for taking wide-angle photos of scenic views and large family groups.
• Action/sports mode that allow you to capture fast-action by taking photos in quick succession.
• Timer which gives the photographer time to jump into the photo.
• High-resolution zoom for photographing distant objects like birds or wildlife.
• Low-light capability without flash, allowing unblurred pictures of sunsets or birthday candles.

A note about video recording— The ability to take short movies with your digital camera is fun and good for capturing your child’s first steps to share with relatives; but even high-definition video on pricey SLR cameras can’t compete with the most inexpensive camcorder.

Design— It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the features a digital camera offers that the camera’s design is often neglected. A digital camera should fit comfortably in the hand, be easy to hold while pressing buttons, be of a comfortable weight, and have intuitive controls that are positioned logically so you don’t have to think about what you’re doing when you snap a picture.

Compact digital cameras are the most common size. If you plan to carry your camera in your pocket or fanny pack, you may want to pay a little extra for a small, thin, light-weight subcompact digital camera. If you want the professional features of an SLR digital camera, expect it to be bulkier and heavier.

You’ll also need to consider the type and cost of the batteries and memory card the camera requires. Specialized batteries can be fairly expensive and difficult to find when you’re traveling. Frequent travelers may want to choose a digital camera that uses readily-available AA or AAA batteries. When purchasing a memory card, consider how often you’ll be able to download photos to clear the card. A 4 gigabyte memory card will hold about 1,144 high-quality photos, ample capacity for most consumers. Frequent travelers, however, may want to purchase multiple memory cards or a card with a higher gigabyte capacity. You’ll pay more but find a single card more convenient.

Brand— No matter if you choose a point and shoot or a DSLR, two excellent brands you can’t go wrong with are Nikon and Canon.

 After researching and checking out Best Buy, Electronics Expo, Tech Depot, ABT, Tiger Direct and many more the results are in.

We would recommend buying the Samsung 50″ Class / 1080p / 600Hz / 3D Plasma HDTV PN50C680 by going through our Electronics Expo Coupons. You will get $50 off your order over $999 with the coupon code and you can also get 1% cash back by being a Coupon Cactus member.

If you get it before 02/06/11 you could be watching the Super Bowl in 3D! If you enjoyed this Personal Shopper Alert you can always save some time and let us do the work for you. Send your Personal Shopper Alert requests to PSA@Couponcactus.com

Happy Shopping!

Related articles

• Super Bowl XLV: Our top picks for a Big Game HDTV (blogs.consumerreports.org)
• Samsung new plasmas will do 3D for much cheaper, maybe under $1,000? (engadget.com)

Your college bound kids will soon be heading off for parts near and far and it’s time to start thinking about stocking their dorm room or college apartments with cool electronics for the upcoming school year. 6th Ave Electronics on Coupon Cactus has everything you need to make their new home away from home the coolest on campus!

Stop by 6th Ave Electronics to see the huge selection of televisions, DVD’s, DVR’s, TV stands, and home theater entertainment solutions. Your kids will surely be able to capture their favorite college moments with a new digital camera or camcorder at 6th Ave Electronics. They won’t forget how to find their way back home on weekends if you buy them a new navigation device either! You can even give them a special treat and deck out their car in style with new audio equipment. 6th Ave Electronics also stocks a huge selection of supplies and accessories for all of their electronics needs.

Coupon Cactus has a slew of fantastic 6th Ave Electronics coupon codes to help you save a bundle all of your electronic purchases. Stop by Coupon Cactus today to pick up one of the new coupon codes that are available. You will want to do your shopping quickly as these coupons will expire on 8/31/10.

• 6% Off Any Order
• $1,183.90 Off Panasonic TC-P58S2 58” 1080 Plasma HDTV
• $1,775.85 Off Klipsch XF48 Floor Standing Speakers
• $104 Off Curtis LCD4065 40” 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV
• $140 Off LG Electronics 50PK750 50” Class Broadband 1080P INFINIA Plasma HDTV
• $20 Off Polk Audio Hit Master Stage Monitor
• $230 Off LG Electronics INFINIA 60 PK750 60” 1080p Plasma HDTV
• $75 Off Panasonic TC-L42U22 42” 1080 Class Viera U22 Series LCD TV
• $83 Off Polk Audio R50 2-Way Floor Standing Loud Speaker
• $98.95 Off Panasonic TC-P42C2 42” 720p Plasma HDTV
• 16% Off Dyson Products

You will also find many more money savings 6th Ave Electronics coupon codes when you visit Coupon Cactus. No matter your reason for buying new electronic equipment, you are always able to find a great deal at 6th Ave Electronics.

Back in 1952, it must have been hard for A.S. Douglas, the creator of the first documented computer game, to imagine that the world of gaming would reach the heights that it is in today’s world. Then in 1972, Magnavox unveiled the first home game console to consumers. Along came the popular Atari 2600 in 1977, Pac Man of 1980, Nintendo Entertainment System of 1986, Nintendo 64 of 1996, Play Station 2 of 2000, and the rest as they say is…video game history.

Even the United States Army recognized the value of drawing in potential military recruits via the gaming world. In 2002, they unveiled a game which cost the federal government $6 million dollars to develop. The game was distributed free of charge to online gamers and eventually became the number one game in the country. Gaming has clearly transformed lives, made people rich, and entertained millions of people since mass production first began.

Buying new games, game consoles, and accessories can be an extremely expensive endeavor. Shopping at JJGames on Coupon Cactus enables you to find the cheapest used and pre-owned video gear at the best online prices. Shop for your favorite pre-owned systems like Gameboy Advanced, Gameboy Color, Gamecube, NES, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DC, Playstation, Playstation 2, Playstation 3, Sega Dreamcast, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, Wii, Xbox and Xbox 360 at JJGames. If you are looking to off-load your current gaming system for a newer model, JJGames is always looking for used gaming systems and games to purchase, so be sure to check out their website for more information.

Using the JJGames coupon code on Coupon Cactus will allow you to save 20% off any order (expires 8/30/10). Coupon Cactus members will also receive 3.50% cash back on their purchases. Stop by JJGames today to see what fun gaming you can have by buying pre-owned gaming gear.

I remember about five years ago when I bought a cool looking cell phone.  It was candy apple red and slim enough to slip into my pocket. By today’s cell phone standards, it would be considered a bit large; but back then, it was sleek! Within the first week I dropped that cool phone onto the concrete. I was so disappointed that it so was scratched up that I immediately went out and bought a cover for it. The good part about having a cover for the phone was that it was protected; the bad part was that the phone was so bulky and cumbersome that I hated it. The worst part was that once I put that cover on the phone, I could never get it to come off again. Because the screen was covered with a thick plastic, I was unable to ever read anything displayed on the screen. My cute little red phone was no longer cute, nor sleek, nor cool, nor functional. I could not wait to get rid of it!

Along with technology changes there are now other great products to help protect them. Now you can keep all of your cell phones, and other gadgets that have an LCD screen, safe when you use the Invisible Shield available on Coupon Cactus. The Invisible Shield provides a military grade patented material that is engineered for your specific electronic device. It provides invisible protection and is perfect for your cell phone, laptop, media player, GPS device, gaming device, digital camera, iPod, PDA and even your watch. The Invisible Shield line of products will protect your delicate electronics, and includes a free lifetime replacement warranty for the life of your device.

You can always find great Invisible Shield coupon codes when you visit Coupon Cactus. Currently you will find a coupon for 15% Off Any Order that is placed. Additionally, Coupon Cactus members will receive 10.00% Cash Back on the purchases that are made. Protect your valuable gadgets from everyday mishaps and costly repairs; shop at Invisible Shield today!

We live in an electronics age, and Abes of Maine is here to make sure you stay connected. Abe’s of Maine has been providing top quality cameras and electronics since 1979. A family-run business, Abes of Maine got its start as a mom and pop retail store in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. In 1986, the company moved to Brooklyn, New York where it built a reputation as a reliable supplier of quality electronics. Operations recently shifted to a new state-of-the-art retail showroom and warehouse in Edison, New Jersey from which Abe’s of Maine serves clients from around the world.

Despite its growth into a worldwide electronics powerhouse, AbesofMaine.com retains its mom and pop feel, providing customers with extraordinary value and customer service second to none. At Abe’s of Maine you’ll find knowledgeable sales people to answer your questions and help you with your purchase. Your satisfaction is guaranteed with Abe’s of Maine’s 30-day customer satisfaction return policy.

On average, Abes of Maine customers save 50% over retail prices on high tech, brand name digital cameras and memory cards, LCD and plasma televisions, cell phones and Bluetooth accessories, camcorders, video microphones, state-of-the-art surveillance equipment, laptop batteries and much more. Save even more over Abes of Maine low prices by shopping Abes of Maine coupons on Coupon Cactus. Right now, save $10 off orders over $150 and get free shipping on orders over $100 when you use Abes of Maine coupon codes on Coupon Cactus. If you’re a Coupon Cactus member, you get 0.5% cash back on every Abes of Maine purchase you make on Coupon Cactus. Now that’s a deal!

No one keeps you better connected for less money than 6th Ave Electronics. The premier source for high end electronics and accessories since 1984, New York City’s famed 6th Ave Electronics offers Internet customers the same superior electronic products, expert-backed product support and hassle-free customer service that have made their NYC store so successful.

Instead of the thumbnail sketches found on most electronics sites, 6thAve.com provides detailed, printable product feature lists, along with downloadable operating instructions and helpful suggested product accessories. Online tech info and support are available 24/7. 6th Ave Electronics huge, fully-stocked warehouse means online orders usually ship same day.

Just in time for March Madness, use 6th Ave Electronics coupons on Coupon Cactus to take advantage of these great deals. Better hurry though, these incredible offers end March 9, 2010. Give yourself a courtside seat to the games and save an incredible $1,320 off Mitsubishi WD-82737, 82-inch, high-definition home theater or save $1,600 off Mitsubishi L65-A90 65-inch LaserVue Rear Projection HDTV. Save $246 off a 14-cup Cuisinart food processor to whip up tasty dips to go with game munchies. When the madness ends, sweep up the crumbs and save $20 off a Hoover wind tunnel bagless upright vacuum.

Customer commitment is what makes shopping at 6th Ave Electronics such a pleasure, but it’s their incredible low prices that will keep you coming back. When you shop 6th Ave Electronics coupons on Coupon Cactus, you save even more, and Coupon Cactus members earn 1% cash back on purchases. Check out 6th Ave Electronics on Coupon Cactus for even more money-saving coupons on the electronics you crave.

I just heard a report tonight on the national news that the number one gift that will be given this year for the holidays is electronics. That’s great news!  With the super deals you can find at 6th Ave Electronics and the fantastic coupon codes that are available on Coupon Cactus, you are sure to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list!

6th Avenue Electronics carries products from all of the top brand manufacturers. Bose, Olympus, Samsung, Sony, TomTom, Toshiba, XM Radio, Panasonic and Pioneer are only a few of the brands that top their extensive list. 6th Avenue Electronics is your one stop shopping spot for home theater and audio, television and video, camcorders, digital cameras, car audio and video, navigation systems, MP3’s and portables, telephones, telescopes, AV furniture and so much more. They also carry a full line of accessories for all of your electronic needs. While you’re doing your shopping, don’t forget to check out the “Sick Deal of the Day.”  There you will find one super low priced deal for you to take advantage of that is offered for only 24 hours.

Coupon Cactus will help you save a bundle this holiday season with a huge selection of 6th Ave Electronics coupons. Expiring on 11/30/09, you will find coupons for 15% Off Select Televisions, 25% Off Select Receivers, 25% Off Terk HDTVi VHF/UHF HDTV Indoor Antenna, 28% Off Onkyo HT-S5200 1200 Watt 7.1-Home Theater System, 29% Off XM SkyDock XVSAP1V1 with Built-In XM Tuner, 33% Off BlueAnt Q1 Voice Controlled Bluetooth Headset, 34% Off Sennheiser PMX80ECO – Eco Friendly Sport Headphones, 41% Off Yamaha RX-V863BL 7.2-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver, 43% Off Onkyo SKS-HT540B 8-Piece Home Theater Speaker System, 46% Off Acer X193WB 19” Widescreen LCD Computer Monitor, 46% Off Pioneer GEX-XMP3 Portable XM Satellite Radio, 50% Off AT&T EL42308 5.8GHz Cordless Phone with Handsets and Answering System, 52% off Jazz DV152 VGA Digital Video Camera, 59% Off JVC LT-47P789 47” 1080p LCD HDTV, and 60% Off Sylvania LSDVD8727 7” Dual Screen Portable DVD Player. Expiring on 12/2/09 you will find coupons for 30% Off All Skullcandy Headphones, Alpine Blackbird PND K3 4.3” Portable Navigation System Sale + Free Shipping, JVC Everio GZ MG630RU 60GB HDD Camcorder Sale, LG Electronics 19LF10 19” 720p LCD HDTV Sale + Free Shipping, LG Electronics 50PQ30 50” 720p Sale, Onkyo SKS HT540B 8 Piece Home Theater Speaker System Sale + Free Shipping, Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS3S 10.1 MP Digital Camera Sale, Panasonic TH46PZ85OU 46” 1080p Plasma HDTV Sale + Free Shipping, Panasonic Viera TC P50V10 50” Full HD 1080p V10 Series Plasma TV Sale + Free Shipping, Panasonic Viera TC P54S1 54” 1080p S1 Series Plasma HDTV Sale + Free Shipping, Panasonic Viera TC P58S1 58” 1080p S1 Series Plasma HDTV Sale + Free Shipping, Pioneer BDP 120 BD Live Blue Ray Disk Player Sale, Sharp LC 32LE700UN 32” 1080p 120 Hz Refresh Rate LED HDTV Sale + Free Shipping, and Toshiba 32RV525R 32” Diagonal 1080p Full HD LCD TV Sale. You will also find coupons for 5% Off Any Order + Free Shipping, 15% Off Selected TV’s, 25% off Selected Audio Items, 25% Off Selected TV’s, Sick Deal of the Day, 6th Ave Electronics Clearance Sale and 6% Off Any Order which expires on 12/31/09. Coupon Cactus members will receive 1% Cash Back on all purchases except 0.6% Cash Back on digital cameras and camcorders.

Motorola is a great resource for business and personal use alike. They have a wide variety of cell phones that are sure to fit most any budget. From the economical first certified carbon free MOTO W233 cell phone to the high end exclusive AURA, you will find a huge selection of styles and features to choose from when you shop at Motorola. At Motorola, you can choose to purchase a cellular phone outright or sign up with one of the major service providers that have partnered with Motorola.

Motorola also has a full line of pre-paid cell phones, software, Bluetooth headsets, batteries, phone doors, chargers, GSP navigation devices, car kits, wired headsets, phone cases, ear hooks, ear cushions and memory cards. You will also find stylish and dependable high quality land-line phones for your home or office.

Motorola offers an amazing new program called “Motoblur.” This service allows you to streamline all of your work and personal emails, texts, photos and social networking sites all together in one simple user friendly location. With this new system in place, you will always feel connected as there is no need to log into various applications. With this fantastic service you will receive constant updates delivered directly to your mobile phone. You will always feel protected too as your information is backed up regularly, even if you lose your phone.

Don’t forget to stop by Coupon Cactus to pick up the Motorola coupon codes and take advantage of the Cash Back Rebate that is offered. Coupon Cactus currently has a coupon code for 10% Off Any Order. Coupon Cactus members will also receive 1.50% Cash Back on Motorola Hardware and Accessory purchases only. Cash Back is not offered on ‘Phone with Plan’ orders or any other Motorola products or services, other than Hardware and Accessories. Get connected, stop by Motorola today.