Uses for IR diodes?

I have a few IR diodes from DVD-RWs and CD-RWs laying around my room, what can they be used for?

Obviously in a pointer but is there much point? How much power can I really get out of them? or even how much could they be sold for?

If I do make a pointer how can they fit into aixiz optics? They are not exactly the usual diode shape.

You could make some very long distance tv remote controls?

erm... thats all i've got

Different wavelength of IR for TV remotes

bah! :