Dec 31, 2009

No pretentious reflecting, no "as we say goodbye to 2009…" clichés, no insomnia-curing treatises on what a year it's been. Just DVICE, you, and the best technology of 2009.

Keep reading for our staff's picks for the top innovations of the past 365. Be sure to let us know what your favorite tech of the year is in the comments.

Dec 31, 2009

In the first month of 2009 people gave to me: a coal ash spill in Tennessee. (Technically occurred in 2008, but it lingered.) [More]

Dec 31, 2009

Some people will go to great lengths to get the best gas mileage possible. There are simple ways of doing this of course, like using a light touch on the gas pedal and coasting whenever possible. If you’re mechanically inclined you can retard the timing or even perform an engine swap in pursuit of high MPGs.

Or you can add a hideous duck tail to your geo metro. Hey, whatever works, right?

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Dec 31, 2009

Chrysler was in dire straits earlier this year, and while bankruptcy is now behind the Pentastar, the battle that looms ahead will prove if Chrysler can truly remain a viable company. Chrysler’s hope rests with Fiat, the Italian car comglomerate who took a 30% stake in Chrysler as part of the bankruptcy proceedings. While we’ve heard much and seen little thus far in regards to the future Chrysler lineup, the Detroit International Auto Show should give some hint as to the direction of Chrysler/Fiat.

One such car sure to make a big impression (in a small way) is the universally hailed Fiat 500 subcompact. Supposedly, Fiat will have an electric version of the 500 on display in Detroit next month.

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Dec 31, 2009

Pictured above is a solar charging station under development by Toyota. The company has plans to open the first of 21 in the Spring of 2010, signaling a move by Toyota to become a vertically integrated company. First, make the plug-in car. Then, build the charging station that it plugs in to. It’s comparable to the same company both digging up the oil, and building the car that runs on the oil. But better.

In many ways this is an understandable move. Toyota has held a leadership position in the hybrid market, and, as such, the company has long resisted any mention of a future move to plug-in vehicles. Why cut sales short, with all the expense that that entails: retooling assembly lines and so on - when yours is the market leader?

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Reggie urgently needs a loving permanent or foster home. He's too old to be in kennels during this cold weather and he needs a stress free environment so that he can put on some weight and regain his strength. Please look at his pictures and video - give him a chance.

Charlie was rescued from the pound just in the nick of time as he was due to be put to sleep. He's only 8 and seems to be a lovely boy, friendly and loveable. He needs a forever home where he can be safe and loved.

Dec 31, 2009

Ever since the wildly optimistic projections of progress from the mid-20th century--robot companions, extra-orbital sojourns , 200-year life spans--scientists have been gently dialing back the public's expectations. So, perhaps it is no sobering surprise that many of the hopeful predictions for scientific advancements for the new millennium have yet to come to pass. [More]