Ok, I might come off sounding like an absolute fool but until recently, I actually didn’t know that Xbox 360 was Microsoft. Yes, yes, can you tell I’m not a hard core gamer? (and I actually OWN a unit!) I enjoy the occasional arcade or third person adventure game but ask me anything about platforms and you will likely hear crickets.

One of the games that was really hyped up last year was Viva Piñata but when I actually watched a sample of it, I honestly didn’t see the appeal of this simulation game. So when I heard about Viva Piñata Party Animals, I didn’t give it a second thought…until I actually tried it. Turns out, it’s just the type of mindless fun that I enjoy at the end of a long day. I guess there were many other who shared my sentiment about the original game.

That is one of the features of this video, as well as Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action. I’ve got the original board game and although it’s not bad, I don’t take it out much. The video game version of it is much more appealing, and if you see the sample in the video, you’ll see what I mean.

Those of you that are computer gamers, we haven’t left you out. Check out the video to see the two expansion packs that are now available for two already popular games. And finally, there’s the Sidewinder Gaming Mouse, which is the craziest mouse I’ve ever seen! It’s designed for the gamer, and as such, comes with all sorts of bells and whistles. I’ve never seen anything like it.

From the moment we are woken up by the radio alarm clock, to the time we pick up our electric toothbrushes as we prepare for bed, we are using gadgets. Tech journalist Akash Sablok of AndNowYouKnow.net is back featuring the latest in gadgets around the house.

Full details on the featured items to come soon…

Tech journalist Akash Sablok of AndNowYouKnow.net is back with more fun gadgets, but this time, with an educational twist as we herald in the first day of classes. Games, fitness, music, even literature is covered in this update so check out the video!

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Ok, there aren’t a heck of a lot of things that both parent and child can enjoy equally, but this is one of those rare exceptions. Bryan Shelton was kind enough to take me on a tour of the Rolling O Lab yesterday and I have to admit, it was pretty darn cool. Check out the video for an in-depth look at the science behind eye protection and if you are on holiday, round up the kids and head down to the Telus World of Science for a free tour through the 40-foot motor coach (which is parked to the right of the building). Bryan is a fantastic tour guide and will only be in Vancouver for one more day from 10 AM to 4 PM. After today, the O lab will be rolling outta town and heading back to the Oakley headquarters down in OC, California.

Technology presentations inside the Rolling O Lab include the use of optical laser scope equipment that demonstrates clarity and prism shift, ultraviolet emitters and measuring devices to illustrate UV protection, and testing rigs that show the effects of high-velocity and high-mass impact situations. The youngens will learn a thing or two about the health of their eyes and the parents will be stimulated by the technology.

According to a study, while 79% of people understand that UV rays can cause skin cancer, an overwhelming 94% are unaware that they can also have repercussions for the health of the eyes. UV rays emanating from the sun are an invisible form of damage that are present at all times of the year, causing damage that builds up over time and can result in a variety of afflictions. What’s more, reflections from the earth’s surface also compound the effects of UV that will actually reach the eyes, underscoring the need for eye protection at all times of the year.

The following percentages reflect what the eyes are exposed to when outdoors:

Snow: 85% of UV rays
Water: 20% of UV rays
Sand: 17% of UV rays
Earth and Grass: 5% of UV rays

You probably have a good idea what the sun’s rays can do to your skin…just imagine what they can do to your eyes, which are infinitely more sensitive. Eye damage linked to UV includes cataract, a condition where the eye lens becomes opaque, preventing light from getting through. UV is also linked to photokeratitis (sunburn of the cornea), pterygium (tissue growth that can block vision), and macular degeneration (damage to the part of the inner eye that receives light patterns and transmits them to the brain).

Types of UV Rays:

UVA light causes premature aging of the skin and the eyes. Long-term exposure can greatly increase macular degeneration.

UVB rays are responsible for sun burns and skin cancer. They can also cause snow blindness and potentially lead to cataracts.

UVC rays are absorbed by the upper atmosphere and do not reach the earth’s surface. In industrial and medical applications, UVC lamps are used to kill bacteria and purify air.

What to Consider When Selecting Sunglasses:

Frame:

The frame’s material should provide the best benefits for the sunglasses’ intended use. For example, sports sunglasses will usually have a lightweight polymer material with rubber compound at the template tips and/or the nose.

The curve of the frame – also known as the wrap and rake – can also create some added benefits, including better peripheral sun protection, better coverage for impact protection and better coverage against the wind.

Lens:

When it comes to lens material, bear in mind that glass is fragile and provides no UV protection on its own. Plastic can also shatter and offers no UV protection on its own. Polycarbonate is inherently lightweight and offers both impact and UV protection. In fact, it’s used in the windshields of space shuttles!

Light transmission, which involves how dark the lens is, plays a key part in determining the best use for a pair of sunglasses. What makes sense for everyday use may not make sense for outdoor athletes.

The lens colour, or tint, is more than just cosmetic – a finely-tuned lens with the proper transmission and the tint engineered for the activity can significantly help an athlete perform.

In case you’re wondering (I would be!), Bryan’s cuts and bruises are due to an unfortunate mountain biking accident up in Whistler over the weekend. It looked painful!

I bought it in 2004 and really wouldn’t drive anything else. But hold up now! Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t a push to get you to sign up for one yourself, but rather a gentle nudge for you to consider the possibility of switching to a more environmentally friendly car; any environmentally friendly car.

Earth friendly message aside though, the Prius is just plain cool to drive. Check out the video and tell me you’re not the least bit curious about a car that turns on by the push of a power button! You don’t even need to take your keys out of your pocket in order to turn it on (go see one yourself and find out why). You’ll also get so used to the sweet silence of driving one, that you won’t want to go back to your old loud and vibrating car. Just imagine if everyone drove an electric or hybrid car. I’m talking about a city world with virtually no noise pollution. Pretty crazy eh?

Believe it or not, Toyota hybrid vehicles meet and often exceed the performance of their gasoline-only counterparts. The combination of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and an electric motor produces an incredibly smooth ride and provides powerful and even acceleration. Idling also becomes a non-issue when you’re driving a hybrid. During startup and idling, the vehicle runs from its electric motor, greatly reducing CO2 emissions.

If anything, I’m sure you know, or have heard about its money saving aspects. Hybrid vehicles simply need less fuel to travel the same distance as non-hybrids, so it’s good for the environment AND good for your wallet. I drove down to San Francisco with a couple of friends as soon as I got mine and the round trip cost me just a little over $100 US in gas. I was floored. The mileage for this thing on a highway is phenomenal. I averaged 4.8 L per 100 km!

If none of the above seems to make any difference, maybe you have some misconceptions about hybrids that need to be cleared up. Even though they’ve been around for a long time, certain myths prevail:

Myth 1: All hybrid vehicles are the same

There are several hybrid technologies available but I’ve done my research and believe me when I say this one’s ahead of the class. Other technologies may be smart but will still take a lot of time to perfect. Are you really willing to wait?

Myth 2: Hybrid vehicles need to be plugged in

Nope. It automatically recharges the batteries through advanced technologies such as regenerative braking (this is so fascinating that your eyes will be glued to the touchscreen monitor). There is talk of an upcoming plug-in hybrid where you can charge your batteries overnight to further increase the mileage, but as of now, no such vehicle is available. Even if it was, plugging it in would be optional.

Myth 3: Hybrid batteries need to be replaced

It’s designed to maintain the battery at optimal performance levels over the life of the vehicle. In fact, the batteries in Toyota hybrids have an 8-year/160,000 km warranty.

Myth 4: Hybrids are expensive

They are competitively priced and provide excellent value through lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance. Click here to find out exactly how much it would cost you to own one.

Myth 5: Hybrids are small and underpowered

Actually, the Highlander and Camry hybrids are the same size as their gas-only counterparts. Because of the interaction between the gas engine and electric motor, Toyota hybrids have a higher net horsepower than a typical gas engine of similar size and a 0 to 100 advantage due to the electric motor torque being available from 0 rpm.

It doesn’t cost anything to test drive one of these puppies, so do what Nike says! Falling in love with a Prius is inevitable.

For more info, visit www.hybridsynergydrive.ca

In the video, Bryon Stremler talks about Fuel Efficiency Incentives or in other words, getting money back by purchasing a hybrid vehicle (or a fuel efficient car like the Yaris). With the Prius, you can get up to $4,000 from the Canadian Provincial and Federal governments (similar rebates are available in any other country). It is important to note though, that this program has yet to kick in here. They are quite late in implementing it and many customers have complained as a result. Don’t worry though. If you buy one, you’ll definitely get that money. It’s how long it’s going to take for you to get it that’s going to frustrate you. Check in on Saturday as Mad Morten addresses that very issue in this week’s installment of Parliament of One.

What’s a comprehensive blog without a tech category!

In the first of many segments to come, technology journalist Akash Sablok of AndNowYouKnow.net will showcase the latest and the greatest in the ever changing world of gadgetry. Today’s feature covers a few of the fun new products in the entertainment department, as well as a couple of cool toys for kids. There’s something for everyone.

Akash is a regular guest on Citytv’s Breakfast Television and on G4TechTV’s Lab with Leo. Check in often for his tech reports!

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