Articles by Grist staff

Nixon Goes to Reality

Rumors fly about possible new Bush climate policy First there was the tantalizing hint that President Bush’s thoughts on climate change have “evolved,” and that a major new energy initiative would soon be announced. Then there was the Onion-esque claim that Bush would announce a goal of stabilizing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere at […]

Prius makes an appearance in Last Kiss

So I've just returned home from a showing of Last Kiss, the new Zach Braff flick -- which, PS, pales next to Garden State -- and I'm excited to report that not only does Braff's character drive a Prius throughout the movie, but the car actually gets mentioned in the first two lines.

As the film begins, the lens is focused knee-height at a number of women (with very nice legs) walking at a crosswalk. The camera then pans up very slowly to focus on the front of a black Prius -- Toyota logo very much visible. As the shot continues to move up, two main characters -- Michael (Braff) and Jenna (Jacinda Barrett) -- are seen seated in the car.

Jenna says something to Michael to the effect of "What are you thinking about?" And Michael replies, "I was just thinking how convenient it is for me that it's considered hip to drive a $20,000 hybrid car." Or something like that. I only managed to scribble parts of that second line on my napkin -- I didn't know I would be taking notes for a blog post! (Though I suppose now I can write the ticket price off on my taxes ... right?)

Grasping at Straw

Alternative fabrics hit the action-sports market Surf’s up, dude — and so is action-sports apparel makers’ interest in alternative fabrics. (OK, that was a stretch.) Clothes made from organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and even recycled plastic bottles are hitting the action-sports apparel market. Sustainability will “definitely be the next big wave,” says the oh-so-punny Don […]

San Joaquin Phoenix

Dead San Joaquin River will be revived More than 60 miles of California’s dead, sandy San Joaquin River may yet run with water and salmon again, as enviros and farmers have settled an 18-year legal battle over the river’s fate. Based on a new 20-year, $250-to-$800 million restoration plan, agricultural water diversion from the river […]