This post was published more than a few years ago (on 2003-10-17) and may contain inaccurate technical information, outmoded thoughts, or cringe takes. Proceed at your own risk.
I find that I often agree with Roger Ebert's reviews of movies, and again, I agree with him here, in a small essay against the most evil of powered lawn implements: the leaf blower.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/eb-feature/cst-edt-ebert14.html
As a side note, I have often said that if, at some point, I am to be responsible for a large amount of land, like a homestead or that artists' village I keep dreaming about, I will require all of the groundskeepers to use hand-powered tool at all times, excepting if they need to prune a very large dying tree or something. Rakes and old-style push mowers are nearly as efficient, and much easier to abide when you're trying to concentrate.