How I roll...

A while back, I posted on the quandary of getting a second car. The choice was between the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid. After a long process of research and test-driving, we bought the Prius. We've driven 3,000 miles in it so far and have been pleased with every mile we've driven in it.

In the time that we've owned it, we've gotten a few questions about it and I've found our answers surprise people. As does the car, itself, when they see it first hand. So, right now we're averaging over 48 mpg. The official statistic is 47 mpg in the city, 45 mpg on the highway. At the end of the day, it all depends on how you drive. Our area is sort of hilly and as there are a fair number of aggressive drivers in northern Jersey, so stomping on the gas pedal is a frequent requirement.

Last point on mpg; you have to factor the load and the season. I've noticed that when its really cold out and you are running the heat, the real time mpg average takes a while to get to where it ought to be. I would guess that the same is applicable in the summer with air conditioning running. And naturally, if you are carrying more than just yourself, your averages drop slightly. That being said, the car has great pick up, regardless of these factors. Its no sports car, but it gets the job done.

From the a.m. blogroll

• AP tells us that the Admnistration actually holds the auto industry accountable on fuel standards. Huzzah. (TPM)
• They're calling it "Tsunami Tuesday" now? In poor taste, I think.
• Everyone's favorite indolent candidate ready to drop out. Go figure.
• Your top ten list... of toxins.
• Nellis AFB goes solar! (MetaEfficient)
• A mixed bag, to be sure. (Alternative Consumer)
• The stinkiest $30 you'll ever make.
• One more possible reason not to vote Clinton.
• The silver lining of past colonialization and "duh." (IHT)
• One more reason to love the Village Voice.
• Another conflict in Africa? Really.
• Finally.
• Lastly, Sam Harris tells us we're doomed. Quell suprize.

Bloody Unpatriotic

This is getting ridiculous. I have tried to post this thought now twice and either my computer has crashed or blogger has somehow lost my entry prior to publishing. I am beginning to wonder if a rat or fish is getting smelly.

Briefly, if you drive this… or anything like it, you are hurting the United States of America. Stop! Fuel consumption in these and like vehicles are part of the problem. Because I am tired of writing at length, lets just say, you people are why the terrorist what to bomb us into the next dimension. Thanks a bunch. I will make sure to send you the bill for all the incurred losses when next we get hit. And yes. We will get hit again so long as we are sucking Saudi oil because selfish, image obsessed assholes like you are driving these abominations.

What is good for GM is good for America? Hardly. This is more like it:

If ever the expression “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem” were applicable, it is here.

More on this as I have time and ample ire.