My Audi now has about 5600 miles on it and I’ve noticed that the average gas mileage has increased from 18.8 mpg to 20.3.mpg. I’m not sure if the improvement is due to engine break in or my driving technique (or both). I set my trip computer to always display my instantaneous gas mileage–I believe Prius’s also do the same. I definitely find myself monitoring my gas mileage and how my driving style impacts it. Around 10 years ago, I remember one of the Big 3 auto manufacturers sold a car that displayed speed in a Heads Up Display (HUD) like a fighter plane. Seems like bringing back that technology for MPG rather than MPG would be a useful feature.
Gas mileage
May 16th, 2008A few product reviews
April 21st, 2008For those of you that don’t know me, I can probably tell you how I would design just about every product I own a little differently. So here are some thoughts on some products I’ve bought over the past few years.
2008 Audi A4 Avant
So far I love this car. The one part of the car that annoys me the most is the manual. I’m pretty good with technical manuals but this one is bad. The Audi website was also useless when trying to understand the differences between some of the options.
Bosch 800 Series Nexxt Washer (WFMC8400UC)
My washer (the one that came with my house) stopped agitating late last year–or maybe sooner since it was by chance that I happened to look in there during a wash cycle–so I was glad to upgrade to the greener option of a front load washer. I chose the Bosch 800 because the discontinued 500 was well rated in Consumer Reports. A couple of months later, the Consumer Reports review of the 800 came out and the Bosch 800 didn’t do so well. It was rated as not very gentle on clothes and I would agree with that assessment. Seems like all my clothes come out really twisted with each other. I’m also annoyed that some cycles are limited to lower spin speeds. If you have a smaller laundry room, I would avoid this set since the doors don’t stay open unless you can open them 180 degrees. One positive comment is that it’s installed on my second floor and shakes my house less than my old top loader–although I have no comparison to other front loaders. It’s also really quiet.
IHRSA
March 19th, 2008We went to the International Health and Racquet Sportclub Association (IHRSA) Annual Trade Show a couple of weeks ago. This is where anyone trying to sell anything to health clubs show their wares (franchisors, lawyers, equipment manufacturers, janitorial supply companies, etc.) It’s a good way to see what’s new and could be the next big thing. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen the next big wave in the four trade shows that I have attended but I have seen a few ripples. That said, I didn’t even find any ripples this year. I did however get to party on an aircraft carrier.
The trade show was in San Diego this year and I took a little time to visit some friends in San Diego and Los Angeles. Saw Eugene, Jason, et al at the Hulu offices. I realized I have lots of friends in Southern Cal and need a lot more than a couple of days to see everyone.
Biofuels–Maybe Not So Good
February 21st, 2008Some recent Studies suggest that most biofuels actually cause more greenhouse gases when you take into account the the emissions generated to produce these biofuels. In the US, it’s really the giant agricultural companies pushing corn based ethanol and soy based biodiesel. There are really inefficient options and the only reason they’re even considered is the huge subsidies for corn and soy. The subsidies for these products are also help make unhealthy food so cheap and driving the obesity epidemic in the US.
Just over 3 years
February 16th, 2008Denali Fitness had its 3rd Anniversary Party last month at Marianna’s by the Market. It was a fantastic party and I think everyone had a great time–although I wasn’t feeling so great the next morning.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 3 years. I’m now entering unchartered territory for myself as I’ve never worked anywhere longer than 3 years. Interbay has now been open 9 months and there’s still a lot to do. As we grow, it takes more than 2x the effort to try to maintain consistency between the two locations. I think I’m working more than ever and it’s starting to catch up to me. I find myself snapping at people a little more, I’m definitely running on a shorter fuse these days. If I could just catch up on all my tasks, I’d feel so much better…
Flu Shots
February 13th, 2008There were plenty of flu shot supplies this year, too bad it protected us against the wrong strains.
In case you’re wondering how the influenza strains are selected for the vaccine, you can read about it on the CDC site.
2008?
January 22nd, 2008Okay, I resolve to blog more frequently. Considering it’s the 22nd of January and this is my first entry of the year, I’m not doing so well. I do think however that I got my RSS feed working, but I’m really not sure…
My washer is dying
November 21st, 2007I noticed last week that the agitator in my top load washing machine machine wasn’t really agitating–it wasn’t spinning. It was the washer that was in the house when I move in 8 years ago. I knew I wanted to replace it with a high efficiency a front load washer, I just wasn’t ready to do it just yet–I was planning to replace it when I remodeled the laundry room.
So I bought a new washer/dryer pair this past weekend. I bought a Bosch Nexxt 500 series washer and dryer, they were a Consumers Report recommendation. The washer is bigger than I need as a single guy but the smaller models just don’t have all the features of the larger models (e.g. water heater). Front loaders still cost a lot more than top loaders but they are a lot more efficient in terms of energy and water usage. Seattle utilities has a $100 rebate to help offset the cost of the more efficient models. Even with that rebate, the less efficient top loaders are still cheaper. I realize the profits from top loaders funded the development of the more efficient front loaders but there needs to be more incentive to buy more efficient models. With cars, we’re starting to see the incentive because of high gas prices. While higher electric and water prices could be an incentive to buy more efficient washing machines, they are not the biggest users in your typical household. What about a tax on less efficient washing machines with all proceeds going to subsidize the more efficient models?
Audi A4 Avant
November 2nd, 2007So far, I’m very happy with my new car. I think Audi has made a great car. That said, I think their Ipod integration is terrible–maybe even a waste of money. When you plug in your ipod, the system recognizes it as CDs 7-12. Supposedly, those are associated with your playlists. All I can say is, don’t pay extra for the iPod integration.
Driving CAN be fun
October 30th, 2007Traded in the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a 2008 Audi A4 Avant. I realized the Jeep didn’t handle very well, but I didn’t realize how bad it was until now.