I know, I know--vampires in pop culture are such a cliche, but "vampire" is an actual term for appliances that continue energy-sucking after they've been turned off.  Yes, that is meant to be SMG from BtVS, which is totally awesome, and I am purposefully not spelling out the acronyms because I'm kind of self-conscious about being a total fangirl.  (I originally wanted to have her saying something like, "But Angel is different, not all vampires are vile blood-sucking creatures of evil!" ...the current picture is somewhat more suitable.)

In my apartment in Japan, I had two electrical outlets, one in the kitchen and the other in my bedroom.  The only thing I left plugged in 24/7 was the fridge (okay, and my computer for the most part--guilty as charged), and my electric bill was $30 or so at the most.  In the months when I used no heat, it was barely $10.  I know, I was one person living by myself, but still... I unplugged my microwave/oven, blender, rice cooker, desk lamp, everything.  I highly recommend you do the same.

As always, constructive criticism, fanmails, love, etc. can be directed to reardon (dot) melanie (at) gmail (dot) com