New South Park episode tonight - Smug Alert!

South Park Studios ^ | March 29, 2006

[LdSentinal]

About time Matt and Trey get back at smashing liberals.

[zeugma]

What does it make you if you are fascinated by the stuff like the Prius and what not, just because of the technology behind it? Are you just a typical geek or gearhead or gadget-freak or whatever.

Probably a gadget freak more than anything else. :-)

Personally, I think the idea is most excellent in theory, but it really needs better battery tech before it will really be practical. I really like the idea of an engine tuned to run at a specific rate that is calculated to give it optimum efficiency to power a generator that is actually used for thrust is an excellent idea. Much of your fuel efficiency is lost in city driving with all the start and stop driving. I would imagine that the 3rd or 4th generation of these things will be pretty excellent cars, but given current battery technology (i.e., mostly lead/acid batteries, essentially the same as those in use almost a hundred years ago, it's not even practical from an environmental standpoint when you consider that they have to be replaced every 5 or so years.

I've been reading some good stuff about possibly using nanotech to make better batteries out of carbon fibers that may be promising someday, but until something like that is practical, it's nothing but the usual feel-good crap from the enviro-whackos. 

[Panerai]

FYI: iTunes music store now offers a season pass for South Park, offered for Season 10. Episode # 1, Chef Returns is already available for download. Smug Alert should be available at some point tomorrow morning.

[Rise of South Park Republicans]

bump

[KneelBeforeZod]

they wussed out at the end...too bad.

sounds like they think hybrids are good

[mainepatsfan]

It was an opening salvo.

[mainepatsfan]

We can only hope.

[RangerM]

...and the back of the other said "Hindsight".

LOL.

It was a decent episode, but seemed to be a little thin.

One way I enjoy M&T's humor is that it often pokes fun at those whose cause is followed by unintended consequences (as it so often is).

I would have found it enjoyable to have one of these "eco-freaks" smashed in one of their "mini" cars, while everyone around it died of lead poisoning from the battery fire(s) and causing a miniature toxic wasteland filled with cadmium, lead, and mercury.

[af_vet_rr]

I'd say so. I find the technology fascinating, but I'll let the early-adopters put up with the inevitable teething problems.

Within two or three years I would consider a hybrid, at least from Toyota, especially if they do offer the plug-in at home package. We would still keep a non-hybrid around for long trips and heavy hauling. As you say, there are inevitable teething problems, even with non-hybrids.

I'm not sure if I can handle the responsibility of a hybrid though.

[af_vet_rr]

Nice thing about the Prius.... there is no such thing as Turbo Lag or vapor lock when you punch the accelerator. All Horsepower is THERE.

I've ridden in one and driven one once, and I'll admit it's pretty nice for acceleration, but I really liked the diagnostics and real-time stats. They need to merge that with some kind of HUD setup.

[HairOfTheDog]

Just don't get all smug about it. :~D

[wallcrawlr]

I freekin lost it when they started bending over smelling their own ass.

so funny.

anyone have a pic of that?

[musical_airman]

It's even better than that- Clooney was their first guest star, ever. He was the voice of Stan's Gay Dog in the first season!

[scott says]

This was the first episode that I watched the whole thing, it was fabulous!
I really liked it. I live 12 miles from SF and never go there...when the character made his little speech about "vowing never to set foot in SF..." I became a big fan.
I will start watching this show now.

[Camel Joe]

This morning on the way to work I was passed by a Honda hybred and just broke up laughing, I swear I saw him bend and sniff. LOL

[hoosierboy]

Its online now

http://www.southparkx.net/episodes/1002-smug-alert

[TC Rider]

I really liked it. I live 12 miles from SF and never go there...when the character made his little speech about "vowing never to set foot in SF..." I became a big fan.

The character, Eric Cartman, is never to be trusted. You wouldn't know a lot of the backstory, but he constantly rips on Kyle for being Jewish. Butters wasn't quite filling the role to Eric's satisfaction. Cartman's altruism in rescuing Kyle and his family was only because he needed Kyle to fill the void in his life, having a jew to rip on.

FWIW, Eric's hesitancy in entering San Francisco is because he has a pathological hatred/fear of hippies.

[wallcrawlr]

HAHAHA

[Feiny]

I drive a PIOUS....hahahaha.
I bought it because I like the looks & the gas mileage, but I am far from smug about it. This episode was hilarious....the Clooney cloud was fantastic.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Except no hybrid uses lead-acid batteries (for their hybrid).