Polaroid cameras first went on sale on this day in 1946. Today, instant pictures are still a great idea, especially for homemakers and handymen. When something big breaks like a heavy appliance, instead of sketching what you need or using "thingamabob" to describe it, just snap the disabled appliance (or broken piece of furniture) with a Polaroid camera, and take the exposure to the hardware (or furniture) store. Instead of explaining your problem, show them. Trying to picture what something will look like back at your home? Take your home with you (in photos) and hold it up to see if your choice works well. Want to repaint your home's exterior a different color? Avoid mistakes by photographing your house and trying new colors and combinations on tracing paper first. And that's the On The House tip for today.