Debunking Computing Theory

Having operated my computer in accordance with some popular advice, I decided it was time to put the theory to the test. I plugged my home computing setup-- a CPU, monitor, printer, and speakers-- to a single power strip and plugged the lot into the Kill-A-Watt. Then I fired the whole thing up to try and figure out the truth. As part of the trial, it was important to differentiate between startup power and running power. Here's my methodology:

No Big Draw on TV, But a BIG Draw From It!

Having tested my bedroom entertainment set-up, I learned the total amount of standby power was relatively small. It was time to set my sights elsewhere in the house. I connected my Kill-A-Watt to the home entertainment components we currently have in our living room. These include a large-screen television, surround-sound system, signal amplifier, game system, and VCR (for all you young 'uns, that's a "video cassette recorder.")

Thank you, Marconi, For This Wasteful Device...

I've known for years that watching television was a empty pursuit. Vacuous programming has a way of sapping valuable hours from your life in a most insidious manner. But little did I know that, all these years, the boob tube was actually wasting more than just my time.

A Shaver, a Tea Light, and Two Charging Cables...

With a wooden stake in hand, Killa and I have begun searching my home for possible vampires. I think I may have found a few. I've identified a suite of little chargers and devices I've unnecessarily kept plugged into outlets in my bedroom over the past year. An electric shaver in the bathroom, a rechargeable tea light set in the bedroom, and charging cables for both my cell phone and my digital camera. Sure they look innocent, but are they guilty of surreptitiously bleeding me dry? Let their trial commence!!

Meet My Little Friend Killa...

Having exposed the potential presence of vampires in my own home, I figured I needed to surround myself with some protection. I began trolling for help online and happened upon a nifty little site called SmartHome. For only $25.00, I was able to arrange the purchase of a real-deal Killa.