(Credit:
JML Direct)
As if we weren't paranoid enough already, what are the odds of encountering two alien air filters in as many days? First there was the "Antibac2K," and now we're subjected to yet another spherical filter from outer space.
The "Fresh Air Globe" supposedly filters domestic air, cleansing it of everything from pet odor to cigarette smoke, according to Shiny Shiny. It tries to appear even more innocent, looking more like one of those snowflake toys than anything else. But we know the truth.
(Credit:
Yamagiwa)
Just like in the movies, they attack when you least expect it. It had been months since we'd encountered any spherical alien vehicles, but they're back--disguised a harmless air filter.
The "Antibac2K" claims to be a lightweight air-cleaning device that eliminates 99.99 percent of bacteria and other contaminants. That's a whole 0.02 percentage points more than other air filters, and we germaphobes all know how important that difference is.
But benefits aside, this circular menace is betrayed by its LEDs, which we all know the classic alien calling cards. We hope only that it doesn't joins forces with the evil Sanrio empire.
A recent AAA survey names some of the most common -- and potentially dangerous -- auto ailments. Fortunately, all of these maladies can be prevented with a little care and attention. Here are the top culprits:
5. Worn-out windshield wiper blades. Old, torn, or cracked wiper blades can greatly reduce visibility when driving in bad weather. Experts recommend changing blades at least once a year, or when streaking begins.
4. Low or dirty oil. Low oil levels can cause overheating and severe engine damage, since there is not enough fluid to lubricate all of the engine's moving parts. Dirty oil contains debris and deposits, which increases engine wear. Check oil levels at least once a month and perform regular oil changes according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Many newer cars come equipped with sensors that alert drivers when the oil needs topping off or changing, but it's not a bad idea to check manually, too, when possible.
3. Worn tires. Road tires should have a minimum of 3/32" tread depth. A good way to check: Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head turned upside down. If all of Lincoln's head is visible, it's time to get new tires. If only one or two tires need replacing, make sure the replacement tires match the size, model, and tread pattern of the existing tires on the car.
2. Clogged air filter. Decreased airflow through the filter will rob a car of horsepower and decrease gas mileage. Check the car's owner's manual to find the appropriate replacement interval. On many cars, changing the air filter is a pretty simple, do-it-yourself job.
1. Incorrect tire pressure Proper tire pressure ensures road safety, preserves tire tread life, and helps to maximize fuel economy. Tires lose air naturally over time, but they can also lose large quantities of air suddenly when hitting a pothole or a curb. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking the air pressure on each tire at least once a month. To ensure accuracy, measure when the tires are cold.
Other problems mentioned in the survey include low transmission fluid and engine coolant levels, worn or corroded battery cables, clamps, and terminals, and low windshield washer fluid levels. Survey results are based on inspections conducted on 6,082 vehicles by 25 different AAA clubs nationwide.
(Credit:
Herman Miller)
How times have changed. At the height of the dot-com boom, one of the early symbols of egregious excess was Herman Miller's "Aeron" uber-chair, which often sold for more than $1,000 apiece. Although it still sells those chairs--which apparently haven't come down in price--the specialty furniture maker is now touting a very different kind of product that's far less visible. In fact, its effects are completely invisible.
The "C2," so far as we can tell from its product literature, is a fancy personal air conditioner and filter that goes for $280--or, in the words of Fareastgizmos, "enhances an individual's personal climate experience" with "air quality provided by its Greenguard-certified particulate air filter."
Whatever. We're just surprised that the designer, which puts so much emphasis on asthetics, would create something that looks so much like a salt shaker.
(Credit:
Swizz Style)
I suppose it's unofficially Modernist Monday here at Crave. Yes, I know that's not quite as thrilling as Party Friday, but you have to admit it's still kind of cool to learn about household items that resemble abstract art. With the surrealist power strip earlier this morning and now this wacky air filter, you certainly could say that we're on a bizarre-appliance kick.
A few weeks ago we looked at an air filter that resembles an iPod wrapped in wallpaper (in a good way), and now here's another one to add to the mix of haute purifiers. Meet Swizz Style's "Henry," who appears to be an incredibly complex air filter system encased in a sleek black exterior. It's slightly over four feet tall, and is available in both black and white versions. With a noise range of 18-26 decibels, it's pretty quiet. Henry also claims to be able to get rid of everything from unpleasant smells to soot to pollen and dust. And its appearance can only be described as...interesting. (No pricing information appears to be available quite yet.)
Personally, I think "Henry" looks like some kind of abstract depiction of a penguin. Then again, other Cravers would tell me that I'm biased in my pro-penguin sentiments. Even though I'm totally over that.
(Cool Hunting via MoCo Loco)
(Credit:
Blueair)
There are some household gizmos that I thought would never get "sexy." Air purifiers, for example. I thought they were doomed to look like a cross between air conditioners and old-school computer towers for the rest of history. But Blueair's Airpod, as featured on Eclectic Detective, has proven me wrong. The Airpod looks like a cross between a wrapped gift box and a high-end audio speaker (though its design, as well as its name, is clearly inspired by the iPod), and comes in four pretty patterns to match your impeccably designed living space. They retail for around $100, which is a tad pricey, but not outrageous when you think about what some people are forking over for cell phones these days.
(Credit:
Blueair)
If these cute air filters work effectively, I think there really would only be one downside. They look so utterly unlike their stodgy brethren, visitors to your house would be totally confused as to what they are, and you'd probably get a lot of questions like, "Hey, why don't your fancy iPod speakers work?"
Just in time for spring allergy season!
(Via Apartment Therapy.)
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