The Toilet That Flushes a Bucket of Golf Balls
When you’re the geek around the house, technology is where you find it. Last week, I found it in the master bath, when I replaced the original toilet with a hi-tech wonder … the toilet that flushes an entire bucket of golf balls.
It started out as a little job … we just wanted to replace the floor as a temporary measure until we had the opportunity to do a complete renovation. But as they often do, that simple $100 flooring job turned into a bit more than initially anticipated.
Seizing upon the opportunity to turn moldy lemons into something else (not lemonade), I quickly decided it was time to replace the toilet. Not with just anything, mind you, but an affordable variant of what Wired called American Standard’s King of Thrones.
Replacing a toilet is one of those rights of passage that ranks right up there with seeing your child being born. (Well, not quite …) Nevertheless, these are mysteries that many regular mortals can only speculate upon.
To flush away the mystery on toilet replacement, it’s two bolts, one simple plumbing fitting, and the all-important wax ring. With just an adjustable wrench (or better yet, set of sockets), a putty knife, and a screwdriver, you’re in business.
I’ve done the task twice … the first time was frightening (due to the fear of the unknown). But the second time was a piece of cake. While this isn’t a task you want to take on if you are unsure of your abilities, you have options.
If there’s a plumber in your family or circle of friends, be sure to give them a call before you take that leap of faith …
Slow Comcast?
Comcast recently took over our local cable company. We had a clue before the welcome packet arrived in the snail mail … the performance of our cable Internet dropped dramatically.
“Dad! What’s wrong with the Internet?”
When tested with one of the speed testing services, we’re still cranking at a download speed of roughly 3000 kb/s … but there seems to be a lag problem. This, of course, drives the kids crazy.
Fragging and lagging don’t mix well …
What Are You Going to do With Your Economic Stimulus Check?
Who says that money doesn’t grow on trees? Washington has cut the the trees down, printed up a whole bunch of new money … and they’re about to send it out to the taxpayers, in the hopes of jump starting the economy.
So what are you planning to do with your economic stimulus check?
I’m not going to use mine to pay bills. I’m not going to sock it away for a rainy day. I’m not going to gamble or drink it away.
I’m going to use it as a down payment on a home turbine. Well that’s the plan, at least.
Hybrid Car Reviews
Would you drive a hybrid car?
Just a few years back, I never thought I would.
But here it is, Spring 2008 and I’ve just spent a month with four different hybrids — two sedans and two SUVs. I have two more on the way. I’ve made a pledge to deliver hybrid reviews of nearly all of these cutting-edge vehicles by the end of the year … I’d gladly do them all, if the stars align.
Advanced forms of the hybrid will soon be more the norm then the novelty. The current crop of hybrids is just the tip of the iceberg. As Lithium Ion battery technology develops, the electric motor will become the primary, rather than the secondary means of propulsion. Next-generation hybrids like the Chevy Volt (video) show the clear path to the future … with gasoline or diesel engines functioning as generators, rather than as the drive train.
If You Could Control Anything Via the Internet …
I’ve long pondered this question: If you could control anything via the Internet, what would it be?
Over the years, I’ve come up with lots of crazy ideas, like RFID tagged socks (August ‘04) and net-controlled hot tubs. And I’ve stumbled into plenty of others, like the Proliphix Internet-controlled programmable thermostat.
Sometimes it seems like half of the crazy ideas aren’t so crazy … to the point that someone’s already doing it, somewhere …
If you could control anything (other than an ATM) over the Internet, what would it be?
The 100 MPG Prius Mod
I can’t count how many times I’ve heard (or read) folks say that they “wouldn’t buy a hybrid until it gets 100 miles per gallon (MPG).”
A good bit has changed since I wrote about the CalCars.com mod back in the summer of 2005.
That good bit is the price.
Think 100 MPG is so tough to achieve?
Behold the 100 MPG Prius (YouTube) …
As it turns out, all it takes is six grand, a bit of ingenuity, a big box o’ batteries, some cables and other goodies. Truth be told, six thousand dollars is just a start … the ultimate price depends on your choice of battery technology.
Modders rule.
What Are You Doing to Save Energy?
It’s all about the green. We’re all getting squeezed these days. Even if you’re not worried about the environment, you’ve got to be concerned about the green that’s flowing at an ever-increasing rate from your wallet.
Kids can be forgiven for their cluelessness when it comes to wasting energy. Parents are often the ones running around the house shutting off unnecessary lights and appliances. After all, it’s the responsible adults that wire up the programmable thermostats and other painless energy-saving devices. We’re the ones installing the compact fluorescent light bulbs (while dreaming of switching to LEDs once the price comes down).We’re the ones stuck pondering the boring stuff like replacement windows (when we’d rather be replacing Windows). We’re the ones reading the reviews of the Honda Civic Hybrid, looking for ways to shave some dollars off the gas card each month.
It takes something big for a generation to be broken from its stupor. Did your lights go out at 8:00 on the 29th? Did you notice that Google went dark for the day? What’s it going to take for everyone to understand that it all starts with them and that if each person starts with a little change it can make a big difference?
2008 NY Auto Show: It’s Electric!
I spent a couple of days at the NY Auto Show press preview last week and have been busy cranking out videos on many of the cool concepts and upcoming releases. If I could use just one word to describe this year’s show, it would have to be electric…
The tiny electric Subaru R1e and Nissan Denki Electric Cube, and innovative high-MPG Chevy Volt and Jeep Renegade concept hybrids push the envelope.
That extension cord?
Don’t leave home without it…
Where Are the 35 MPG Cars and SUVs? Never Mind, They’re Here…
I waded into the chat room last night to talk with Chris about an article I’d just written about 35 mile per gallon (MPG) cars and SUVs. The article’s a bit of an eye-opener in these economically troubled times, but it comes down to some little known facts and a strange twist of market fate. How strange, you ask?
Did you know that there are half a dozen diesel-powered 35 MPG vehicles that are manufactured here in North America right now, but cannot be sold to Americans? That’s 35 MPG combined …
Needless to say, the conversation caught fire. I didn’t have the faculties to follow the rapid fire stream of chat … the topic spurred quite a bit of controversy, it was late, and my eyes were just about done for the day. There was no way I could keep up with the comments.
So I copied and pasted the log, in order to more fully understand where folks were coming from.
While it seemed like a good many folks fully understood the benefits and realities of modern diesel engines - perhaps because of the international crowd - there was still an undercurrent of misunderstanding from the portion of the American audience that may have lacked the exposure to clean diesel technology.
Truth be told, I had never driven an diesel-powered vehicle (other than a backhoe, once or twice) until earlier this winter, when I spent two wonderful weeks with a diesel-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee. That experience only served to pique my interest in diesels, which lead to my doing the research on said article.
Needless to say, I’m sold on diesel. Hybrids can be fantastic in town, but out on the open road, over long distance, diesel is king …
Article: 35 MPG - Why Wait Until 2020?
Cheap Apples
An old buddy of mine has been thinking about picking up a Mac for some time now, but he didn’t know where to start. After I penned a note outlining the most affordable choices, it dawned on me that I should share the info with my gnomie buddies … so, how about them cheap apples?
So you want an entry-level Mac? Ready to switch to the other side of the fence?
Here’s a quick overview of your options …
The Mac Mini is the most affordable way to jump on the Apple wagon. It has a remarkably small footprint. $599 gets you a brand new 1.83GHz CoreDuo mini with 1GB of RAM and an 80GB HD (with free shipping, no less). You can re-use an existing USB keyboard, mouse, and DVI monitor from one of your PCs. Just plug ‘em in and go.
The MacBook is the least expensive notebook, with new models starting at $1099 (2.1GHz CoreDuo, 1GB of RAM, 120GB HD).
We have two MacBooks here at Rancho Indebto. Among other things, I’ve been using my entry-level MacBook to cut video. Works just fine … maybe one day I’ll get the big workstation or a higher-end MacBookPro, but for now my little white MacBook is getting the job done and it’s great for the road.
You can sometimes find bargains on refurbs and clearance items. Take a look at the “Special Deals” section of the Apple Store website … the link is at the bottom of the left side column on the front page.
I highly recommend the AppleCare Protection Plans, especially for the notebooks … Apple has great service (with friendly, intelligent, well spoken phone support) and the AppleCare plans extend the warranty. You can walk repairs into your local Apple Store. While not every genius is a genius, nearly everyone I’ve worked with in an Apple Store has been helpful and friendly.
Use a Cell Phone, Get a Ticket
The laws, they are a changin’. Here in the glorious Garden State, law enforcement authorities are now allowed to pull over and ticket drivers for using a cell phone while driving… but only if you are not using a hands-free phone.
You’re free to chat all you want, as long as you have a headset or a fancy in-dash system. But if a police officer sees you with that telltale hand to the ear, you’re out of luck. And a hundred bucks.
There’s good and bad to this law, no doubt.
The good, of course, being the hope that there will be fewer accidents caused by cell phones.
The bad, of course, being another erosion of our personal liberties.
I’ve always avoided using a cell phone while driving, for a number of reasons. I’ve always driven stick shifts, and seeing that I only have two arms…
This new law will stimulate the economy in a small way, by pushing people into buying new phones. (It will also serve to further skew the balance of trade… after all, how many cell phones are manufactured here in the States?)
I’m a case in point. My $20 pay-as-you-go Nokia soap bar doesn’t have Bluetooth. While I still don’t want a plan, I would like to be able to use my own phone with the in-dash systems (rather than borrowing one from my kids).
Volvo C30: The Uncommon Hot Hatch
While hot hatchbacks are different by definition, the new Volvo C30 is so different it stands out from the crowd. In a world where Mini Coopers have become commonplace, that’s not easy.
This hot hatch isn’t targeted at the typical boy racer. You’re not likely to see a decal-covered C30 in the parking lot of your local 7-11.
MPGomatic put Volvo’s little beast through the paces and came up all smiles. While the little sport compact’s fuel economy could be higher, the C30’s powerful turbocharged engine, solid handling, and uniquely elegant design make it an interesting alternative.
SUV Antidote: Subaru Legacy 3.0 R
Global warming or not, all wheel drive (AWD) is a blessing in the wintertime. But for folks who are more of the sporting type, as opposed to the utilitarian, a SUV is overkill.
Enter the Subaru Legacy 3.0 R.
I spent a week with a Legacy 3.0 R and came away with great respect for Subaru. This is one wicked winter ride.
I’ll freely admit it. I’d never been behind the wheel of a Subaru before, other than that little Subaru Brat I briefly ogled back in high school. I had preconceptions.
The Subaru Legacy 3.0 R isn’t just an antidote for the SUV epidemic. This little AWD sport sedan rivals some of the offerings of the likes of Audi and BMW.
MPGomatic: Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Review (video & text)
Alternative Space Heaters
Faithful Technobabble readers may remember my long-running obsession with space heaters over the years and my decision to purchase the bargain electric fireplace (that turned out not to be a bargain in the long run).
The electric fireplace landed in our sun room, which for many years did double-duty as my home office… that is, until roughly around the time that the fireplace arrived, when my home office moved back into the smallest bedroom in the house.
I’m not complaining, mind you… the alternative space heaters in the office keep things toasty in a winter where I’ve been keeping the programmable thermostat turned down low, after having dumped more than $1500 of heating oil into the tank to this point.
There’s one only one heat duct in the office, but the room remains remarkably warmer than the rest of the house when the family is home. Between the desktop PC, CRT monitor (remember them?), the routers, a VoIP box, a laptop, a 20-inch conventional TV, and the boy’s Xbox 360, the room can get downright toasty. Close the office door and it will get uncomfortably warm.
The Xbox is a lot of things to a lot of people, but around these parts, it’s a fantastic alternative space heater. Could the wizards at Microsoft have possibly considered this when they designed the beast? A warm woolen hat’s off to them, regardless!
Crashed Notebook Drive
I’m kicking myself. The hard drive in my MacBook went south this week. I didn’t lose a huge amount of data due to the crashed notebook drive … just one thing … a portion of my old email. Nearly everything else was backed up in one place or another. Losing six months of email to a crashed hard drive was a simple reminder to something I knew all too well … keep everything backed up.
All in all, I was fairly lucky. I was able to recover a bunch of things off the crashed drive before it went completely south. For better or for worse, I tried the old “throw the hard drive in the freezer” trick and the planets briefly aligned in my favor.
Needless to say, I’ll be backing up the new hard drive on a regular basis, automatically … just as soon as I toss some coins at a new Time Capsule.
Home Office Copiers
Do you have a home office copier? While there are a lot of pieces of home office tech that could (potentially) make my life easier, a home office copier is at the top of the list. I don’t have one of those newfangled multifunction print units … and I kick myself every time I need to make a simple copy. Like this morning, for instance …I need to make a copy of my drivers license to attach to a form. And I have an hour and a half to get the copy made …My usual modus operandi is to run out to a local quick print shop (when I need a bunch of copies) or to fire up an old (and I mean old) Mac I have that is equipped with a flatbed scanner. Of course, that old Mac isn’t hooked up to the home office network … or any network for that matter … so I have to sneakernet the scanned files over to one of the computers on the network in order to get to the trusty ol’ LaserJet. It’s all a bit nuts when you get right down to it … even more so when it’s a rushI’m putting a home office copier / scanner / super doodad on my wish list … lets make it a color unit while I’m at it …
Tags: home office copiers, copiers
Can Cell Phones Cause Insomnia?
I know I promised to cut back on regurgiblogging … but this one was too intriguing to pass up. Physorg.com is reporting that research in Sweden and Michigan has shown “that mobile phone radiation appeared to cause insomnia, headaches and concentration difficulties.”
Insomnia? Check.
Headaches? Check.
Concentration difficulties? Lets go ride bikes!
Seeing that I hardly use a cell phone these days, I can’t attribute my own symptoms to the radio waves …
Want to Buy Daryl Hannah’s Biodiesel-Powered El Camino?
Did you know that Chevy built a handful of diesel El Caminos in the early 1980s? These critters are quite rare, considering that just hundreds of the smoke-belchers rolled off the assembly line in the 1983 and 1984 model years. They’re even more rare due to the Oldsmobile 350 V8 diesel’s reputation for early expiration.
All the better, if you’re looking for something collectible that happens to get wicked good gas mileage (for a pickup truck) …
It turns out that Daryl Hannah (yep, that Daryl Hannah) has been running her diesel El Camino on biodiesel since she bought it many moons ago.
But it’s time to make space in the garage.
Daryl’s put her diesel El Camino up for auction …
Does Your Car Get 30 MPG on the Highway?
You’ve probably heard that the folks in Washington D.C. have finally gotten around to raising our nation’s target for fuel economy. Sadly, 35 miles per gallon (MPG) by 2020 is too little, too late. The automakers that merely strive to meet that marker might not be around by the time that day rolls around. We need to see substantial improvements in a far more compressed time frame.
You can do something about it, starting today … even if you can’t find old paint on the list of cars that get 30 MPG on the highway (or more). No matter what you drive, you can drive more conscientiously. Any vehicle will get higher or lower mileage, depending on the way that the driver operates that vehicle.
I spent a good part of last weekend behind the wheel of a rental car rated at 29 MPG highway. A fuel-efficiency meter was prominently featured on the sedan’s dashboard, between the speedometer and tachometer. I was able to better the EPA’s highway rating by 20% over hundreds of miles of the highway … simply by driving conscientiously.
Compact Florescent or LED Bulbs?
Like it or not, it’ll soon be time to flip the switch on those treasured old school incandescent light bulbs once and for all. The gargantuan energy bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush will do away with most incandescents in favor of more efficient alternatives.
Longtime readers know that we’re big fans of compact florescent (CF) bulbs … while they’re still far from perfect - with compact florescent lifespan a huge issue for some - the newfangled bulbs deliver significant savings in the long run.
Gnomie Jon wrote:
I don’t know if you have heard, but incandescent light bulbs are going phased out by 2012 in the US. The best alternative would be compact florescent bulbs, but personally, i would prefer L.E.Ds, which, at the current time, are fairly pricey per build, replacing all your household bulbs could easily cost thousands. My family has decided to start gradually switching in 2009, and I was wondering, do you think the LED bulbs are worth the price, our should we just go with florescent?
It looks like compact florescent bulbs will be the most economical alternative for years to come. Just how many years is the big question. There’s little doubt that LEDs will eventually rule the roost … but right now, they’re far too expensive to recommend for most applications.
This year’s wave of LED Christmas lights is a harbinger of things to come. Once the factories really get geared up to deliver massive quantities of LEDs, prices should drop rapidly. But if you’ve checked into LED Christmas light prices at your local big box stores, you may have gone into shock.
Be sure to stop back in when they kick off those inevitable 50% off sales to pick up those sweet LED lights at half price …
Tags: led bulbs, led christmas lights, compact florescent bulbs
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Every weekday, our guide to the Web takes care of business, tackling tech topics that really matter to everybody. From topic definitions to topical rants, Dan Gray\’s pieces inform as much as they entertain.
- First Steps Toward Autonomous Robot Surgeries
- Undergrad Has Sweet Success With Invention of Artificial Golgi
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- High Fuel Prices Could Slash U.S. Emissions
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- Obesity Can Increase Dementia Risk By Up To 80 Percent
- Platypus Genome Explains Animal’s Peculiar Features
- New Breed Of Supercomputers For Improving Global Climate Predictions Proposed
- Record-Setting Laser May Aid Searches For Earthlike Planets
- A Digital Haven for Terrorists on Our Own Shores?
- Melting Defects Could Lead To Smaller, More Powerful Microchips
- As Gas Prices Climb, Employee Productivity Plummets
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- Fungi Have A Hand In Depleted Uranium’s Environmental Fate
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- Dwarf Cloud Rat Rediscovered After 112 Years
- Make Projects: Small Form Factor PCs
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