27.7.06

Hollywood does Hybrids


Of all the cars in the world, who would've guesed that the 2nd generation Toyota Prius would become the darling of Hollywood? Don't get me wrong, all this PR is well deserved for Toyota, who sunk millions on what was then seen as a very risky investment. It's just that I'm still baffled by their decision to make the original Prius look so naff... and then come out with a car that, somehow managed to cancel out all its green credentials with utterly offensive styling. maybe, like organic produce, they decided that the beauty should only be on the inside. My best guess is that Toyota did all the proper research in the market that matters, (the US). This would of course explain the styling, and in that context, the current Prius probably looks quite attractive parked amongst Detroit's ... er... products. Anyways, I thought this Pimped Up Prius was funny, so here's the recipe.

1. Take one ugly externally car
2. Marinade in a vat of American trans fats,
3. Allow 10 days to infuse,
Caution: do not spoil the nutritional value of the green stock
4. Liberally dress with chrome
5. Serve dish with Toyota warranty intact.

26.7.06

Climate Change - Big Ask


The Big Ask is calling for a Climate Change Bill to be passed in Parliament, which will make year-on-year cuts in carbon dioxide a law. This Friends Of the Earth campaign is backed by tens of thousands of people across the UK, and over half the MPs in Parliament. Now they (and all of us) need the Government to include a Climate Change Bill in the 2006 Queen's Speech.
Big Ask. Big Month. Big Lobby.
12 September - 11 October

Of course, many would argue that what they're asking for is not enough, but at least it's a realistic step in the right direction towards reducing our carbon footprints to a more sustainable level.