As we said above, when cutting a shipping container or removing any of the paneling, it's structural integrity is compromised. As an extreme example, consider the removal of all a container's corrugated paneling along the length of one side (see the images below). Without reinforcement, the container deforms and then fails structurally. As a general rule, whenever you remove portions of the panelized corrugation, steel framing will be required to frame out the opening. In addition, column and roof support will be necessary depending on the size of the opening(s) and roof/wind loads.

The new kit includes a handful of new kinds of Bits, including a tiny MP3 player (which was used to play music from doorbell), a temperature sensor (which powered the open-fridge alarm), an IR transmitter and a number counter (which could be used to count the number of times your dog barks). The kit includes the company's cloudBit, which allows a user to connect objects to their smartphones or tablets. There's also a new AC switch that can be used to control a wall outlet using LittleBits circuits to turn on and off lights or fans.

LittleBits also said Tuesday that it expanded its partnership with RadioShack, with its kits now sold in 2,000 retail stores in the US. The Smart Home Kit is available online at LittleBits website starting Tuesday and will be coming to RadioShack locations in December.

A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of Prefab House items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.

Looking to gain a foothold in the fast-expanding Modified Shipping Container Home market -- and potentially save a bunch of old and unloved coffeemakers and refrigerators from the junkyard -- New York startup LittleBits on Tuesday came out with its new Smart Home Kit. The $249 set comes with 14 magnetically connecting modules (called Bits) that can be made into different combinations in minutes to create do-it-yourself "smart" appliances out of "dumb" ones.