Cars of the future need to arrive today. Hydro or electric something better and mostly a cheaper product.
Mercedes
The need to look into solar power for the automobiles itself. The electric infrastructure can not and never will be able to handle going all electric powered everything. So we need to think bigger.
Solar on every possible house, in every possible state.
I say place solar panels on cars. What ever happened to the solar paint that turned the entire car into direct power?
Mercedes VISION EQXX
The all-new VISION EQXX by Mercedes-EQ Concept.
Mercedes is taking car electric architecture to a whole new level, surpassing what was once impossible.
Mercedes has achieved an energy-dense battery that’s 30% lighter and sized 50% smaller.
Further refinements from aerodynamicists allowed Mercedes to drop the drag co-efficient to an unimaginable cd 0.17.
Just 18 months in the making, this concept car exceeds an astounding WLTP-estimated 620-mile range.
With a number like that, this vehicle has the potential to become the silver bullet to the electric road trip — capable of journeying great distances on a single charge. Day-to-day, the average U.S. driver may need to fully recharge just twice a month.
Check the website for complete recipe and pictures.
At one time I had the good fortune to live near a remarkable Jewish Bakery. They created the most eye catching flavorful desserts I had ever seen or tasted. When I moved out of the area and realized I no longer had access to some of my favorites; I decided it was time to start creating my own. One of these fabulous treats was Prune Danish. Now many people just are not into prunes always seeing them as simply a source of fiber for regularity. However, their flavor complements the flaky pastry crust that surrounds them. Prunes are NOT just for fiber any more! And so let me entice you to try making what you see above and enjoying the aroma and flavor of your own freshly baked Prune Danish! Below are two versions you may follow. The Puff Pastry and Lekvar Prune Butter are what yielded the photo above. BUT you can also create your own prune filling and use a softer pastry as will be detailed in what follows. Mix, match and try what you will as they will still taste great. Let us begin with the Puff pastry: 2 1/2 sticks cold unsalted butter 1/2 cup cold tap (or bottled) water 1 tsp salt 2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 tsp vanilla 1/8 tsp Cardamom (ground)
Measure the water, add the salt and vanilla, stir to dissolve and set aside. Cut up butter into small size chunks ( I cut 1/2 inch pats then split those into four) Place flour and cardamom into bowl of food processor with METAL blade (not dough blade) Add about 1/2 stick’s worth of the cut up butter and pulse 12 times for one second each Add remaining butter and long pulse twice to incorporate (5 seconds each) Add water and pulse three or four times until dough forms a rough ball. Flour your work surface (I use a large wooden pastry board) and scrape dough out of processor onto the floured surface. Shape dough into a rough rectangle and place between two LARGE sheets of plastic wrap (OR you could use waxed paper). Roll dough into a 12X18 inch rectangle Peel away top plastic then invert dough onto floured work surface Peel away second plastic then fold dough in thirds on the width so as to end up with a 6X18 inch rectangle. Fold one side in then the other overlapping. Roll up dough from a six inch side making sure the end is on the bottom. Press dough into a a square, wrap in plastic and refrigerate one hour.
Pastry number two is a softer one:
1 8oz. brick of cream cheese 3 sticks of butter (salted) 3 cups all purpose flour 1/8 tsp cardamom 1 tsp vanilla
Place 3 cups flour and 1/8 tsp cardamom into food processor with metal blade Cut up butter into smaller chunks (cut 1/2 inch pats then cut each into 4) Cut up Cream cheese into rough chunks as well Add butter to processor and pulse until four and butter combine roughly Add cream cheese and vanilla and pulse until the dough comes together CAREFULLY remove from processor and work with your hands into a ball Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap then into the fridge for one hour.
Those are the two dough options. Both taste good.
As to the prune filling – well I really like the Simon Fischer Lekvar Prune Butter in the18oz jar. I have bought it on Amazon. It is Natural and tastes really good. I have even spread it on English muffins for breakfast. They sell the jars as a pack of 6 which is okay as they will last you a while. They also sell 17oz in a pack of 3 but you pay shipping so the six pack is a better value. Try this stuff it is REALLY good. I used to use the Solo Prune Filling in the can until my grocery store stopped carrying it. Now I realize they did me a favor as that one was nowhere near as good as Simon Fischer.
IF you feel REALLY ambitious and would rather make your own prune filling then here goes MY version.
2 cups pitted prunes 1/2 cup dark raisins 1 cup Brandy (or if you do not like using alcohol use boiling water) 3/4 cup mild honey 1/8 tsp salt 1 tsp grated Orange Peel (fresh grated or from the jar) (I use a Microplane to get very fine fresh orange and lemon peels. If you do not have one GET one – they are wonderful.)
Put prunes and raisins into a container or bowl and pour on brandy (or boiling water). Stir well and cover with container lid or plastic wrap. (Brandy gives a great flavor and the alcohol will cook out anyway). Allow fruit to soak overnight Place softened fruit into food processor with metal blade Add peel and salt and pulse three or four times Add honey and run processor until well mixed and smooth Do not worry if mixture seems thin as you are going to refrigerate this overnight and it will firm up at that time.
Notice I do NOT cook the prunes as do many recipes. I do not like the taste or texture. The alcohol in the Brandy really plumps and tenderizes the fruit. Boiling water will do okay but not as good as Brandy!
NOW whichever dough you have made you will cut into four equal parts. That is if you like your Danish LARGE with lots of filling – as I DO! If you want smaller ones then by all means divide further. The techniques are the same regardless so YOU decide.
For the Puff Pastry roll each part of dough on Floured surface until you have a 6″X6″ square. (That is for the four LARGE size as shown above) For the soft pastry instead of flour you will coat your work surface with a mixture of 1 cup confectioners sugar and 1 cu granulated sugar. Mix them up together and use like flour on work surface to roll out dough.
Puff Pastry:
For the two front danish in the photo which are the standard looking type, look at the 6X6 square from one point so you see what is like a diamond shape. I use a Tablespoon and a teaspoon to load the filling down the center of the diamond leaving an inch at either “tip”. I use quite a bit of prune in each because I like it that way and the bakery I once frequented did the same. NOW you will fold the two SIDE tips inwards so they overlap over the prune filling (just like you see in the photo above.) Also curl up the other two end points making a sort of ridge which will help keep any filling from running out. This is for the standard look. Use a large flat spatula to lift the danish from the work surface on to your baking sheet. I use a standard cookie sheet which is lined with a Silpat. You can buy Silpat (or silicone) liners on Amazon OR when they have them Costco sells a set for a LOT cheaper. I always have TWO silpat lined cookie sheets for when I make cookies.
The other fancier danish starts out the same with the square but now you look at it AS a square and load the filling down the center leaving an inch at either end. Next you will use a sharp knife to slice the dough into strips coming no closer to the filling than a half inch. Like a lattice you will fold first one “flap” then its opposing over the filling so they overlap. Just look at the picture above and you can see what I am trying to describe. I like the look of these for some reason.
Use the “square/diamond” instructions above only coat your surface with the mix of confectioners and granulated sugars. I would NOT try the overlapping strips with this softer dough. You might end up with a mess. In both cases place cookie sheet with pastries into the fridge while the oven preheats to 350. Before placing in oven either spray top surface of pastries LIGHTLY with PAM (and please use the original as it has the best taste) OR separate out an egg white and whip it up with a whisk until it is more liquid. Brush this on the tops of the pastries if you wish. I prefer the PAM as I do not like the added egg taste. Start out setting your timer at fifteen minutes and then check every five minutes after that until pastry is golden brown as above. DO NOT leave and do NOT forget to check. Every oven is different and there is no way to be exact with timing. Just go by smell and sight to judge when these are done.
Remove from oven leave ten minutes then transfer to cooling racks. Enjoy!
So there it is, another great recipe for the use of healthy prunes.
We had to fix a little BOOBOO I created. I was going to rip up the kitchen tile, but now have decided to wait until next summer.
I decided to cut the tile down another 1/4 inch from where it was originally for the cabinet bases to fit properly without an issue. I can always put a wider baseboard along the bottom of cabinets until next summer.
I set my blade depth so I only cut the tile.
I used water. The little bottle I snipped a little more from the tip and wet down the tile.Kept the bottle to the rear of the saw and squirt the blade from behind it.
It helped a little but not much since the exhaust comes out of the side actually.
I am very impressed with what ease I had cutting the tile today. The Dremel “Saw Max” cut right through the tile. No vibration or jerking. Cut straight and true to the line.
You might want to use the vacuum hose connector to collect the dust. That was my only issue was dust and that was limited.
Now I can take out the remaining tile without chipping into it and breaking it.
This is my 3rd application using the Dremel “Saw Max” and I Love It. Great tool, all in one little mighty saw Dremel “Saw Max”.
One For The “DO NOT DO THIS” FILE: What ever you do do not use the SAW MAX for drywall INSIDE the house.
That was my first experience with my “saw Max”. My regular dremel broke in the middle of the project. I ended up with the “Saw Max” and blowing drywall dust all over every thing in my house. Better to use the regular Dremel with a drywall bit for drywall applications..
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Product Specifications
The Dremel Saw-Max reinvents cutting as you know it. Powerful enough to cut through virtually any material and simple enough to be able to control with one hand. Its compact size and ergonomic design makes it easy to handle, easy to follow the cut line, and easy to store. The Dremel Saw-Max gives users the ability to cut easily and efficiently for a job done right. Two year warranty.
Powerful 6 amp motor – easily tackles the toughest applications
Make quick cuts in a wide variety of materials
Superior line of sight and easy to control
Perfect for straight cuts, flush cuts and plunge cuts
Are you ready to take on the task of painting and a slight remodel?
Many home owners are choosing to remodel instead of relocation. I am on that journey now. WeeWHOOOOOOO!!!
BY: Cynthia Stanard February 16, 2018
If you are remodeling please make sure to check the contractor’s license. If you are using a “Handy Man” make sure you get references and check them. Don’t get scammed or fooled because of a good “DEAL”.
Like my Daddy told me, “Just because it’s cheap, Don’t mean it’s good.
There are many scammers out there so “BE AWARE“ of who you are dealing with. You may want to check online @Google. Just enter the company name or person’s name. Check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) to see if they are in “good standing”.
If you are just starting to think about remodeling you might want to check out one of the many www.HGTV.com home remodeling shows. They have great ideas for all areas of the home. And if you are interested in tackling the project yourself don’t forget to check out www.youtube.com videos on DIY videos. They have step by step videos by many professionals on everything.
If you are going to do the project yourself and are using a “Warehouse” type to buy your products, I would choose my own wood and other items and have the order delivered or I would go through a reputable wood supplier to choose and deliver.
Talking about getting screwed… Today’s story starts off at receiving a sub-standard product on an order that was recently handpicked by Home Depot order pullers. Delivery was great by Hawaiian Movers; I do believe that’s who it was.
For the past 17 years I have dealt with HPM Building Supply and Argus Building Supply located in Hilo. Building my house I bought my lumber from Argus Building Supply and HPM. The lumber all came in great shape. No split pieces, end pieces or chunks of missing wood. Throughout the years I have continued to order wood from Argus and HPM. Not one time did I receive anything close to Home Depot’s poor quality. I rate Argus and HPM pickers at a 10 compared to Home Depot.
Home Depot takes a 3 on a scale of low 1 to 10 high. Not sure how they train there pullers at Home depot, but what a disappointment. Most of my 1x4x12 was scrap wood. Not one of them came with one decent face that wasn’t tore up in some fashion. That’s if it was not a first cut after the bark is stripped, banding marks, grease or oil on the boards, most of the boards had the 1” side face was ripped off. The other lumber rates about a 6. I have always gone and chosen my own wood and packed into my truck. But this time I figured they could handle it. Obviously I was wrong… And was I going to wait for another delivery… no.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
My first step in my remodeling project was to paint the exterior and replace the trim on my house. I expected to sand with 100 grit sandpaper and add minor putty as usual. I had to putty and sand every board with 40 grade sandpaper and finish with a smooth surface with 100 grade sandpaper. The wood was so bad I should have returned it. The wood actually needed to be put through a planer, sides and corners remade with wood putty. I used 3 large cans of wood putty from Ace Hardware in Keaau and 3 days of sanding @8 hours a day. Home Depot only had plastic wood putty to repair the boards. I prefer the real deal. All I can say is thank god I am very experienced in finishing carpentry.
Speaking of ACE hardware Keaau, the staff is very knowledgeable. They really know their stuff. They also carry Shindawa Weed Eaters. Best for the Jungle. I have been through 5 craftsman weed eaters. One Shindawa that was used for 7 years, until it was stolen. Also ACE brand Metal Rust paint is very good.
Now with the new exterior paint by BEHR Marque Semi-Gloss, I have confidence the exterior house paint will last another 12 Years if not more as stated. The paint guy was spot on at Home Depot I give him a 10. Also the exterior Primer and Paint in one by BEHR is awesome also. I use exterior paint for the interior also. So will see how long this paint lasts. Check out my reviews on Painting Your House 101.
The Journey living in Hawaii. I built my own house from cutting trees to clearing land and building from the ground up. Learning along the way what will withstand the harsh salty air and the brutal rain storms. I am glad I was smart when I chose stucco for my exterior walls. It seems like other materials have gone to ruin in some way or another. Every piece of metal has rusted and flaked away into dust. Any wood exposed to the elements has deteriorated into spongy nothings. Constant Maintenance, everything needs to be painted or replaced here after a few years. I can’t tell you how many BBQS that I have laid to rest because of rust. I thank my luck stars that I have plenty of experience in all facets of construction, maintenance and the remodeling trades.
Micro shards of plastic are being found in the human … Continue reading Plastic Brain???
Super fast and easy recipe for this Cheesy Chicken Enchilada … Continue reading Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pie with fresh red chili and cinnamon sauce.
I decided to cut the tile down another 1/4 inch from where it was originally for the cabinet bases to fit properly without an issue. I can always put a wider baseboard along the bottom of cabinets until next summer.
Are you ready to take on the task of painting and a slight remodel?
BY: Cynthia Stanard February 16, 2018
Orgnat Life Products 