For several years, Clark has been explaining how his beloved CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) are really just a transitional technology until we get to LEDs (light-emitting diodes).

The consumer champ being the pioneer he is, he's already been toying around with LEDs around the house. In fact, he recently installed an LED about his elliptical glider.

Turns out the light is so poor, he can't even read a newspaper while he works out!

Obviously, LEDs are not ready for prime-time just yet, but they promise to deliver great light down the road at a cost to operate that's even cheaper than CFLs. And they won't have any of the mercury disposal issues that come with CFLs. (Home Depot will actually recycle your CFLs for free no matter where you bought them.)

The traditional incandescent bulb is likely to be extinct in about 2 years, thanks to new energy-efficiency requirements for lights. Yet The New York Times recently reported that 80% of Americans have no idea about the phase-out.

So Clark's message is hang tight on the LEDs and continue to go with the CFLs at this point. Each CFL will save you about $60 or $70 over the life of the bulb.

Meanwhile, Clark will be removing the LED above his elliptical and replacing it with a CFL so he can get back to reading!