Kitty Kat!
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Sunday, January 23, 2005
The Worst Cars
Autos
The Worst Cars
Forbes.com
By Dan Lienert
Click Here For SlideShow of the Cars on the List
Making a list of the worst cars of all time, which we compiled last year, is easier than making a list of the worst cars currently on the market because, frankly, all cars are built pretty well these days.
However, even now in the early days of the 2005 model year, several vehicles stand out for subpar performance in several important categories--in some cases, matters of life and death such as safety.
What follows is a roundup of the ten worst cars on the market, based on three criteria: the worst crash test scores, the lowest projected reliability and the lowest projected residual values. We thought about castigating cars for multiple recalls, but the 2005 model year is too young to do so (most recalled '05 models have been recalled only once so far). Furthermore, consumers often ignore such issues as recalls--unless they are for universally dangerous reasons, such as spontaneously exploding gas tanks--in favor of style, sex appeal or raw power.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the cars in the slide show are not particularly sexy. Several of them are among the cheapest cars on the market.
In the interest of fairness, we excluded from consideration all cars that are in the process of being killed, such as General Motors' (NYSE:GM - News) Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire, both of which have horrendous crash test scores. Excluding lame ducks, there are no cars currently sold in the U.S. that suffer the indignity of a one-star crash test rating. Out of a possible five stars, several achieved two-star ratings, and we included all of those models.
The source for all crash test scores is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation that administers vehicular safety laws.
Whatever your current political leanings, we advise you to trust the government when it says you and your kids could have a 21% to 25% chance of serious injury in a particular car--at least trust it enough not to buy that car.
For reliability, we looked to Consumer Reports. For projected residual value, we went to the bible of the automotive resale world: the Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide.
Read on to see which vehicles earned warnings from the government, and to see the rest of the worst 2005-model cars.
The Worst Cars
Forbes.com
By Dan Lienert
Click Here For SlideShow of the Cars on the List
Making a list of the worst cars of all time, which we compiled last year, is easier than making a list of the worst cars currently on the market because, frankly, all cars are built pretty well these days.
However, even now in the early days of the 2005 model year, several vehicles stand out for subpar performance in several important categories--in some cases, matters of life and death such as safety.
What follows is a roundup of the ten worst cars on the market, based on three criteria: the worst crash test scores, the lowest projected reliability and the lowest projected residual values. We thought about castigating cars for multiple recalls, but the 2005 model year is too young to do so (most recalled '05 models have been recalled only once so far). Furthermore, consumers often ignore such issues as recalls--unless they are for universally dangerous reasons, such as spontaneously exploding gas tanks--in favor of style, sex appeal or raw power.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the cars in the slide show are not particularly sexy. Several of them are among the cheapest cars on the market.
In the interest of fairness, we excluded from consideration all cars that are in the process of being killed, such as General Motors' (NYSE:GM - News) Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire, both of which have horrendous crash test scores. Excluding lame ducks, there are no cars currently sold in the U.S. that suffer the indignity of a one-star crash test rating. Out of a possible five stars, several achieved two-star ratings, and we included all of those models.
The source for all crash test scores is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation that administers vehicular safety laws.
Whatever your current political leanings, we advise you to trust the government when it says you and your kids could have a 21% to 25% chance of serious injury in a particular car--at least trust it enough not to buy that car.
For reliability, we looked to Consumer Reports. For projected residual value, we went to the bible of the automotive resale world: the Kelley Blue Book Residual Value Guide.
Read on to see which vehicles earned warnings from the government, and to see the rest of the worst 2005-model cars.
Friday, January 07, 2005
The Fattest City
And the Fattest City Is...
Fri Jan 7, 9:56 AM ET Oddly Enough - Reuters
HOUSTON (Reuters) - Houston tops a U.S. magazine's annual fattest cities list for the fourth time in five years, with four other Texas cities waddling into the top 25.
Fast food restaurants -- Houston has twice the national per capita average -- are partly to blame for the dishonor, Men's Fitness editor-in-chief Neal Boulton said.
"Americans ... work long hours, don't take vacations, and when you're faced with the worst nutritional choices, you indulge in those," he said.
High humidity, poor air quality and some of the nation's longest commute times also helped Texas' most populous city unseat Detroit, the 2004 heavyweight champion, the magazine said.
Houston Mayor Bill White, who has worked with a major grocer to promote healthy food and the city's public schools superintendent to improve lunch menus, called the survey "mostly voodoo and fraud."
"On the other hand, it calls attention to real issues the mayor is trying to address," his spokesman, Frank Michel, said.
The magazine said it looked at factors such as the number and types of restaurants, park space, air quality, weather and the number of health clubs.
Philadelphia, Detroit, Memphis, Tennessee, and Chicago followed Houston on the seventh edition of the fat list. Texas cities Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth and El Paso were in the top 14, which Boulton said was no surprise.
"It's pure big indulgence, just living big, and that's part of the culture," said Boulton.
Seattle ranked as the fittest city, followed by Honolulu, Hawaii, Colorado Springs, Colorado, San Francisco and Denver.
Austin was the only Texas city on the fit list. The state capital ranked 19th out of 25.
Fri Jan 7, 9:56 AM ET Oddly Enough - Reuters
HOUSTON (Reuters) - Houston tops a U.S. magazine's annual fattest cities list for the fourth time in five years, with four other Texas cities waddling into the top 25.
Fast food restaurants -- Houston has twice the national per capita average -- are partly to blame for the dishonor, Men's Fitness editor-in-chief Neal Boulton said.
"Americans ... work long hours, don't take vacations, and when you're faced with the worst nutritional choices, you indulge in those," he said.
High humidity, poor air quality and some of the nation's longest commute times also helped Texas' most populous city unseat Detroit, the 2004 heavyweight champion, the magazine said.
Houston Mayor Bill White, who has worked with a major grocer to promote healthy food and the city's public schools superintendent to improve lunch menus, called the survey "mostly voodoo and fraud."
"On the other hand, it calls attention to real issues the mayor is trying to address," his spokesman, Frank Michel, said.
The magazine said it looked at factors such as the number and types of restaurants, park space, air quality, weather and the number of health clubs.
Philadelphia, Detroit, Memphis, Tennessee, and Chicago followed Houston on the seventh edition of the fat list. Texas cities Dallas, San Antonio, Fort Worth and El Paso were in the top 14, which Boulton said was no surprise.
"It's pure big indulgence, just living big, and that's part of the culture," said Boulton.
Seattle ranked as the fittest city, followed by Honolulu, Hawaii, Colorado Springs, Colorado, San Francisco and Denver.
Austin was the only Texas city on the fit list. The state capital ranked 19th out of 25.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Thursday, September 23, 2004
The Naked Yoga Guy
Only in San Francisco! When I was in college at Berkeley we had The Naked Guy who was infamous for walking around campus in Birkenstocks and a backpack...I wonder if there is any relation between the two.....
Safe Haven for Naked Yoga
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Nudists, grab your yoga mats and head for San Francisco.
City prosecutors on Wednesday said it was not illegal to perform naked yoga in the city -- even at the crowded tourist destination of Fisherman's Wharf.
Prosecutors dropped charges against a limber nudist, known locally as the "Naked Yoga Guy," who made a habit of striking yoga poses in the buff in order to promote a book and his lifestyle.
The Naked Yoga Guy, whose name is George Monty Davis, had stripped to stretch near Fisherman's Wharf, prompting a public complaint. But prosecutors decided they had a weak public nuisance case against him because local laws do not bar public nudity.
"Simply being naked on the street is not a crime in San Francisco," said Debbie Mesloh, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office.
"To bring a case, a person would have to exhibit lewd behavior, block traffic or impede pedestrians on a sidewalk, something along those lines."
In another case involving a Los Angeles teenager who dropped his pants to expose his bottom, or "moon," passing motorists from a nearby sidewalk, a California appellate court ruled nudity itself is not a crime, Mesloh said.
Safe Haven for Naked Yoga
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Nudists, grab your yoga mats and head for San Francisco.
City prosecutors on Wednesday said it was not illegal to perform naked yoga in the city -- even at the crowded tourist destination of Fisherman's Wharf.
Prosecutors dropped charges against a limber nudist, known locally as the "Naked Yoga Guy," who made a habit of striking yoga poses in the buff in order to promote a book and his lifestyle.
The Naked Yoga Guy, whose name is George Monty Davis, had stripped to stretch near Fisherman's Wharf, prompting a public complaint. But prosecutors decided they had a weak public nuisance case against him because local laws do not bar public nudity.
"Simply being naked on the street is not a crime in San Francisco," said Debbie Mesloh, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office.
"To bring a case, a person would have to exhibit lewd behavior, block traffic or impede pedestrians on a sidewalk, something along those lines."
In another case involving a Los Angeles teenager who dropped his pants to expose his bottom, or "moon," passing motorists from a nearby sidewalk, a California appellate court ruled nudity itself is not a crime, Mesloh said.
Friday, July 02, 2004
brian boarts photography - hermosa beach
This picture is totally amazing. A dolphin jumping through a wave on 6th street in hermosa beach. Brian took the shot in January. He has many other amazing shots as well, many for sale.
Check out his site at Brian Boarts Photography
Check out his site at Brian Boarts Photography
Thursday, July 01, 2004
a plug for Shari!
Shari BluesRockMusic.com!
Come celebrate on the 3rd of July with us at the Lighthouse Cafe on Saturday! It's going to be crazy down at the beach so come early!!
Who: Shari Puorto & Friends
Come listen to some Blues/Rock/R&B music!
When: Saturday July 3rd
Time: 4-8pm
Where: The Lighthouse Cafe
Hermosa Bch Pier
No cover
What for? BEER , girls , boys , and tons of partyin' YEAHAW!
Shari (vocals and shakin' that thang), Michael (lead guitar / vocals / and tryin to shake that thaang), Charlie Diaz (bass / showing off that surfer figure of his), Leon Abner (drums - you can't miss this guy - he's incredible), Chris Daniels (keys / vocals / town comedian and all around great guy!)
Also, don't forget these important upcoming shows:
The Coach House - Huge show for us!
San Juan Capistrano
(see bluesrockmusic.com website for details)
July 10th - a night of Blues...
8pm
Featuring, Coco Montoya
Tickets $15 - email me for ticket request!!
South Bay Music Awards Show
July 17th
Hermosa Beach Playhouse on Hermosa Ave.
Tickets avail at Ticketmaster! come support us....
Nominated for two categories: Best Blues Band and Best Female Vocalist
Much 4th of July love comin at ya !
Come celebrate on the 3rd of July with us at the Lighthouse Cafe on Saturday! It's going to be crazy down at the beach so come early!!
Who: Shari Puorto & Friends
Come listen to some Blues/Rock/R&B music!
When: Saturday July 3rd
Time: 4-8pm
Where: The Lighthouse Cafe
Hermosa Bch Pier
No cover
What for? BEER , girls , boys , and tons of partyin' YEAHAW!
Shari (vocals and shakin' that thang), Michael (lead guitar / vocals / and tryin to shake that thaang), Charlie Diaz (bass / showing off that surfer figure of his), Leon Abner (drums - you can't miss this guy - he's incredible), Chris Daniels (keys / vocals / town comedian and all around great guy!)
Also, don't forget these important upcoming shows:
The Coach House - Huge show for us!
San Juan Capistrano
(see bluesrockmusic.com website for details)
July 10th - a night of Blues...
8pm
Featuring, Coco Montoya
Tickets $15 - email me for ticket request!!
South Bay Music Awards Show
July 17th
Hermosa Beach Playhouse on Hermosa Ave.
Tickets avail at Ticketmaster! come support us....
Nominated for two categories: Best Blues Band and Best Female Vocalist
Much 4th of July love comin at ya !
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