New Leaf

Published 8:59 pm Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Jolts for Volts: Gov. Jay Inslee wants to create more incentives for Washington residents to buy electric cars, including free rides on ferries and in toll lanes.

But the governor stopped short of offering the ultimate electric vehicle incentive: free towing when your car runs out of juice on I-405 during the evening commute.

Finally, a fix for the flashing 12s: Technology firms are racing to roll out so-called “smart” products, but consumers so far prefer simplicity over connectivity.

And while an Internet-connected toothbrush may not be very useful, what about a gadget that wirelessly sets the clock on the VCR you haven’t been able to figure out since 1993? Get cracking, tech wizards.

Don’t know much about history: On this day in 1815, U.S. forces under the command of future president and guy on $20 bills Andrew Jackson defeated the British Redcoats in the Battle of New Orleans.

Because of the slow pace of communication in those days, the battle was fought one month after the two nations signed a peace treaty — and the British hung a banner declaring “Mission Accomplished” from the rigging of the Royal Navy’s flagship.

— Mark Carlson, Herald staff