I’ve been working on my packing list for heading out to The Gambia in July. One of the things I’ve been told is that I may - but probably won’t - have electricity. Given this, and the fact that I’m planning to bring a laptop (something that my Solio just isn’t going to charge), I’ve been considering methods of setting up a solar-powered electricity “oasis” of sorts, and what it would take to implement this kind of free-energy, ecosystem-friendly power source.

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I just read in the Boston Globe today an article talking about taxing owners of hybrid and other alternative-fuel vehicles, because “drivers should bear their fair share to fill potholes and fix bridges, regardless of how much or what kind of fuel they use.”
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Yesterday I did something I thought I would never do… I traded in my Jeep Wrangler (red X model, inline 6 200HP, fully loaded) for a Ford Focus (silver ZX3-S model, inline 4 136HP, barebones + AC).

Why?

First, I’ve gotta say the Jeep was a LOT of fun to drive, especially with the top down, warm summer days along back roads, yeah - that’s the stuff. But it rains often up here, so most of the time if I don’t want to have a soaking wet interior, my top’s up. sigh But one thing I’ll say about Wranglers: they have personality.
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