The Cheapskates guide to lighting a barbecue

I hate having to light charcoal. If i could hire a guy to do it, I would. This kept aside, I love to barbecue.
There are several ways you'd find on the internet.
Zippo fluid and paper, bad idea. The charcoal chimney seems to be the most effective way but these are not cheap. I've found many DIY chimneys on the net. Some of these are not too difficult to build.

There is this idea that has been effective for me.
Please do be careful.

Step 1. Steal a hair drier. or alternatively buy a cheap chinese one.
Step 2. Pile 4-5 pieces of coal over the gas stove. this is when your wife will come out screaming for messing up the kitchen.
Step 3. After sorting out the domestic issue, light the stove.
Step 4. The coal will light up in a few minutes. Keep yourself at a safe distance as the vapor in the coal will crackle. (you could be smart and dry the coal before getting into this )
Step 5. You should have about 4-5 pieces of burning ember. Place these along with the rest of your coal on the grill and fire up your hair drier. Direct the hot ait onto the coal
Step 6. You will have fire sparkles flying mad all over in a few minutes. (Photography enthusiast please note, this would be a long exposure photo opportunity)
It will be a good idea to avoid polyester clothing. Let me warn you that these sparkles can be extremely dangerous. So take all necessary precaution. If you've got kids running around, it would be a good idea to switch the TV on and keep them indoor till you're done.
If you have a cover for your BBQ grill, you could partially cover the kit while operating the drier.

A few minutes, and you will have a bed of burning ember without all the blowing and smoke.
Open that beer that has been chilling in the fridge and grill away.