While most of the east is enjoying the biggest blizzards in 90 years (so much for that global warming crap), we had a gentle rain last night which this Christmas cactus seemed to enjoy. Click on Damsel’s image to enlarge.
Bad Karma for Prius-Driving Greenbats
In addition to Toyota’s accelerator pedal vehicle recall, there may be additional problems in the Prius’ brake system.
From the OC Register:
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today that it is opening a formal investigation into problems with brakes on the 2010 Prius hybrid.
The probe, the agency said, is “to look into allegations of momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump.
The news comes a day after the car’s brakes were put into question in several media reports and the Japanese government ordered the automaker to look into the issue. Of course, this latest news comes amid two recalls for millions of cars worldwide over unintended acceleration.
The guy in the cartoon (old hippie-lookin’ dude) reminds me of another Prius driver I posted about here for having an unusual paint job . . .
The Daffodils Are Blooming
There are about a dozen of white and yellow daffodils blooming on the patio this week. Click on the image to enlarge.
Solar “Smoke Rings”
EXPLOSION ON THE SUN
Coronagraphs onboard the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) observed a bright double-ringed coronal mass ejection (CME) billowing over the sun’s western limb during the late hours of Feb. 1st. At present, the source of the blast is unknown.
The bright spot to the left of the sun is Venus. Click on the image for a slightly larger view.
Via SpaceWeather.com
Hyacinth – Up Close and Personal
I have a potted hyacinth growing on the coffee table in the living room. When the light gets just right as it comes in through the window over the staircase, I can sometimes get a nice lighting effect. It’s too bad you can’t smell the nice fragrance these flowers have. Click on the image to enlarge.
Home Made Pizza
What you are looking at is Barbecued Pizza – really. I put the pizza stone out on the gas BBQ, close the lid and adjust the flame for 500° or so. Then, after it’s hot, I bring out the pizza that Damsel has loaded up with goodies, slide it onto the stone and close the lid on it for ten or fifteen minutes.
The ingredients are mostly heart-healthy, like the marinated artichoke hearts, olives and sliced tomatoes, but what would a pizza be without mozzarella cheese (low fat, of course) and some meat like the thin Italian pancetta slices we spread over the top. We served ourselves a slice and a half each with a green salad on the side.
Damn good, if I do say so, myself. Click on the image to enlarge. Remember not to drool on the keyboard.