You are here: Home » Archive » Archives for October 2008

October 2008

The Most Efficient Material For Cold Weather: Merino Wool

Merino wool is the most efficient material for cold weather. Merino wool is softer than regular wool, and it feels more like cotton against the skin. Merino wool resists wind and warms better than synthetic materials. It doesn’t absorb odors and it regulates body temperature. It is also produced in a sustainable manner. The jacket [...]

Read the full article →

100% Electric Aptera Unveiled

I first mentioned the Aptera last year, when it was being test driven. This car’s eye-catching design isn’t just for show — it’s designed to be a very, very efficient vehicle. Just check out the video below you’ll see what I’m talking about: Much like a jet, the shape of the Aptera is designed to [...]

Read the full article →

A Closer Look At The [re]Drive

I noted the release of the [re]Drive last month — this hard drive is probably the most energy efficient external hard drive available. I was glad to be able to get a hold of one for testing. The first thing I noticed about this drive, was the packaging, which was minimalistic enough to bring a [...]

Read the full article →

The PowerGorilla: Flexible Portable Power

I’ve been testing a device that just been introduced called the PowerGorilla. It’s a portable power pack that acts an emergency back-up charger for your laptop computer other other electronic gadgets. The battery inside the PowerGorilla is a lithium-ion and weighs just 631 grams (1.4 pounds). The charger will give you an extra 2-5 hours [...]

Read the full article →

Dahon Jack: An Inexpensive Folding Commuter Bike

I’ve been testing a folding commuter bike, the Dahon Jack. This is a good quality bike that feels solid when riding. I like the ergonomic grips on the handlebars and the full-size 26 inch wheels. I get a lot of flats, so the bike’s Schwalbe Big Apple tires were a welcome inclusion. Dahon says that [...]

Read the full article →

Visit To An Efficient Winebar

I don’t think I would have ever discovered this winebar, had I not been led to it, through the labyrinthine streets of Arlington, by Chantrea, who is the originator of what I have to call a noetic zymurgy. I followed Chantrea through the avenues, and into a restaurant. I don’t recall which one, but I [...]

Read the full article →

Efficient: Books That Explain Train Travel In North America

Train travel is one of the most efficient forms of transportation. However, in North America, traveling by rail is not particularly systematic or comprehensive. It’s difficult to get an overview of what’s available. Thankfully, there are several good books on North American train travel, which I read recently. Here’s a brief review:

Read the full article →

Efficient Food Efficiently Proximate To Us

An efficient locavoristic cooking class at Cavallo Point.

Read the full article →

The 2009 Jetta TDI: A Clean Diesel Car

The new 2009 Jetta TDI is an efficient vehicle– this quiet-running, diesel-powered car has a cleaner tailpipe than most cars on the road. The Jetta uses a technology called “clean diesel” which actually lives up its name pretty well. While test driving this car, I found out that 97% of highway diesel fuel pumps are [...]

Read the full article →