Electric Cars - The Aptera and Peapod

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Aptera


Peapod

I live in a city where electric cars can be seen around town daily. Here in Sonoma County our county government has pledged to reduce greenhouse gases by 2015 to at least 25 percent below 1990 levels. Electric cars are one way to work towards this lofty goal.

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Currently the City of Santa Rosa's fleet exceeds 1,000 vehicles, including heavy-duty construction equipment. Twenty six are hybrid vehicles and 12 are all-electric. Santa Rosa also boasts hybrid electric-powered buses that can be seen all over town. These numbers will be increased soon and hundreds of employees of Sonoma County and its nine cities could be driving electric cars by 2010. Love it!!

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While some electric cars on the market look so cool and futuristic, others just look like any car you might see currently on the street. I would love to own an electric car but it would have to be practical, affordable and safe. Maybe someday soon - electric cars will sit in driveways across America.

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P.S. Don't the cars above somehow remind you of the one used in Woody Allen's film "The Sleeper" from 1973?

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Friday's Photos - 21st Wedding Anniversary

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Today's post is dedicated to my husband.
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I know when you raise your eyebrows, and keep them there, you are not happy. I know when they quiver, you are trying not to laugh. I know when you mumble your words, you want to tell me something, but aren't sure what I'll think. I know you'll be happy if you open the pantry, and find chocolate or cookies. I know when you clear your throat, something is bothering you. I know that five minutes playing with the kids, and suddenly you're a kid again. I know that one minute after you leave the house, you will be right back, because you forgot something. I know that you hang in there, when others won't, because you truly care. And I know if I need you, you will always be there, and you know, that I will too!!
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Happy Anniversary Sweetie!!
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Bambu

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Look for the name Bambu!!

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Bambu is not a Bamboo company rather a renewable ideas company. Their products are made from bamboo that is sustainably harvested and free of fertilizers and pesticides. Bambu works only with manufacturing partners who demonstrate a commitment to health and safety, environmental protection and fair labor practices. 100% organically-grown bamboo, non-toxic water-based adhesive, natural lacquer (derived from the cashew nut tree), food-safe polyurethane.

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I love all their products - from the "Natural Utensils" and "Lacquerware" - to the single use disposable "Veneerware" which bio degrades in 4 - 6 months!!

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Products can be found at many retail locations such as Crate and Barrel, Dean and Deluca, Ralphs, and Whole Foods or on-line via Branch, or Organic Rush.

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My Pledge

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“The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority.”

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I have always cared very deeply about those less fortunate or disenfranchised by way of their race, status, age or sexual orientation. With that in mind - my pledge is to work with Straight for Equality and any organization that will help further the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) individuals. Some of the exact same narrow-minded arguments that were used to keep blacks and others in a lesser status - not many years back - are now being used again against this (larger than you know) group of people. This world will be a much better place when there is equality for all.

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The First Annual Straight for Equality Awards Gala:

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On Thursday night, February 5, 2009, in New York City’s Times Square, PFLAG and Straight for Equality will make history by hosting the first annual Straight for Equality Awards Gala. At this event, we take time to honor and celebrate a few straight allies that embody the values of PFLAG and Straight for Equality. This year, we are proud to recognize:

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· Dr. Maya Angelou: Straight for Equality in the Arts & Humanities

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· Sigourney Weaver: Straight for Equality in Entertainment

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· Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole: Straight for Equality in Education

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· IBM: Straight for Equality in Business

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With:
· Soledad O’Brien: Emcee
· J.T. (Ted) Childs, Jr.: Gala Chairman
· Judy Reyes: Auctioneer

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Resources: PFLAG - Human Rights Foundation

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Follow-up Recipe From Ms. Garten

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(Photo Via Chocolate Shavings and Jupiter Images)
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I made these the other day and my whole family loved it!! It was easy and took about an hour to prep and cook. This is one great use for puff pastry.

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Tomato and Goat Cheese Tarts
2008, Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics, All Rights Reserved
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Serves: 4 individual tarts

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Ingredients

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1 package (17.3 ounces/2 sheets) puff pastry, defrosted
Good olive oil
4 cups thinly sliced yellow onions (2 large onions)
3 large garlic cloves, cut into thin slivers
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons dry white wine
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, plus 2 ounces shaved with a vegetable peeler
4 ounces garlic-and-herb goat cheese (recommended: Montrachet)
1 large tomato, cut into 4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices (I substituted sun-dried since fresh are out of season)
3 tablespoons julienned basil leaves

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Directions

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Unfold a sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and roll it lightly to an 11 by 11-inch square. Using a 6-inch wide saucer or other round object as a guide, cut 2 circles from the sheet of puff pastry, discarding the scraps. Repeat with the second pastry sheet to make 4 circles in all. Place the pastry circles on 2 sheet pans lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until ready to use.

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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

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Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium to low heat and add the onions and garlic. Saute for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are limp and there is almost no moisture remaining in the skillet. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the wine, and thyme and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, until the onions are lightly browned. Remove from the heat.

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Using a sharp paring knife, score a 1/4-inch-wide border around each pastry circle. Prick the pastry inside the score lines with the tines of a fork and sprinkle a tablespoon of grated Parmesan on each round, staying inside the scored border.

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Place 1/4 of the onion mixture on each circle, again staying within the scored edge. Crumble 1 ounce of goat cheese on top of the onions. Place a slice of tomato in the center of each tart. Brush the tomato lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with basil, salt, and pepper. Finally, scatter 4 or 5 shards of Parmesan on each tart.

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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. The bottom sheet pan may need an extra few minutes in the oven. Serve hot or warm.

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A Litttle Advice From Ina

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To be a better cook, start with the right ingredients. Ina Garten recommends a list of 11 must-haves for the pantry or fridge that can help improve a whole range of dishes.

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1. Puff pastry. “It’s an incredible time saver.”

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2. Instant coffee. Add it to chocolate for a deeper, richer flavor.

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3. A good, syrupy, aged balsamic vinegar.

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4. California olive oil. She prefers the Olio Santo brand.

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5. Homemade chicken stock (Ina's homemade chicken stock recipe). It’s one thing she insists on making herself, but it can be done in a big batch, then frozen in smaller containers.

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6. Parmesan cheese. Her favorite: Reggiano. “Anything that doesn’t have a great flavor can be made better with Parmesan cheese.”

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7. Sautéed garlic and onions.

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8. Good vanilla. She suggests Nielsen-Massey vanilla extract, but she always has on hand her own homemade vanilla extract. She orders the vanilla beans in bulk from Regional Access in Trumansburg, N.Y. (607-387-6959). Pack a big jar with vanilla beans, then fill it with vodka. Each time you use the beans or the extract, add more of each. “I’ve had this jar for 25 years,” she said, opening an aromatic container.

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9. Grand Marnier. “It’s great with chocolate, with vanilla, with anything orange. I recently made a raspberry sauce with Grand Marnier.”

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10. Kosher salt. Diamond Crystal is her brand of choice.

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11. Fleur de sel, “when you need a little salt at the end. It has a brininess that’s not salty.”

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P.S.

I survived a week filled with too much work - and a neck injury that came at a very inconvenient time - but was also filled with lots of wonderful fun!!! Thanks for all the well wishes!!

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Busy Week

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I'll be back on Monday!!

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P.S. What's Your Pledge?

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Celebrity and Katalyst present The Presidential Pledge Video

I'm Ready!!

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The inaugural festivities are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. EST. The following was provided by the AP.

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Musical selections of The United States Marine Band, followed by the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

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Sen. Dianne Feinstein provides call to order and welcoming remarks.

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Invocation by the Rev. Rick Warren.

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Musical selection of Aretha Franklin.

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Biden will be sworn into office by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.

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Musical selection of John Williams, composer/arranger with Itzhak Perlman, (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Gabriela Montero (piano) and Anthony McGill (clarinet).

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Obama will take the Oath of Office, using President Lincoln's Inaugural Bible, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. Scheduled around noon.

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Obama gives the inaugural address.

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Poem by Elizabeth Alexander.

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Benediction by Rev. Joseph E. Lowery.

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The National Anthem by The United States Navy Band "Sea Chanters."

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After Obama gives inaugural address, he will escort outgoing President George W. Bush to a departure ceremony before attending a luncheon in the Capitol's Statuary Hall.

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The 56th Inaugural Parade will then make its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.

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