Monthly Archives: April 2011

The Body

Ultimate Biker Makeover; Win $50 Gift Certificate from Otterbox!

How would you like to score a $50 Gift Certificate from Otterbox?  Send in your submission of why your deserving of an Ultimate Biker Makeover and the gift certificate could be yours along with TONS of other gear/parts! (Winner gets to use gift certificate for any item available at otterbox.com)
Otterbox has  Technology Covered!
Starting with something as simple as a box, OtterBox was created in 1998 and built upon fundamentals of hard work, creativity and perseverance. Our cases are dedicated to all the klutzy, spontaneous, chaotic, graceless individuals who have broken a device or valuable due to their active lifestyle and like our customers, we’ve been there too!  Otterbox cases are perfect for the riding enthusiasts, take your technology with you and keep it protected with Otterbox!
The Body

ham and asparagus strata

Only a few weeks till it’s time to celebrate Easter and Spring here is a great brunch recipe to share!
ingredients
•1    English muffin, split and torn or cut into bite-size pieces
•1/4  cup  coarsely chopped cooked ham
•1/2  cup  cooked cut asparagus or broccoli flowerets
•2  slices  process Swiss cheese (3/4 ounce each), torn
•2  tablespoons  dairy sour cream
•1  tablespoon  finely chopped onion
•1  teaspoon  Dijon-style mustard or prepared mustard
•1/8  teaspoon  caraway seeds (optional)
• Dash black pepper
•1/2  cup  milk
•1    slightly beaten egg
directions
1. Place half of the English muffin pieces in 2 lightly greased 10-ounce custard cups. Sprinkle with ham. Top with asparagus and cheese. Add the remaining English muffin pieces.
2. In a small bowl combine the sour cream, onion, mustard, caraway seeds (if desired), and black pepper. Gradually stir in milk and beaten egg. Pour evenly over the layers in the custard cups. Lightly press with the back of a spoon to thoroughly moisten English muffin pieces. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
3. Bake, uncovered, in a 325° oven for 25 to 28 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 160°.
nutrition facts
•Servings Per Recipe 2 servings Calories283, Total Fat (g)14, Saturated Fat (g)7, Monounsaturated Fat (g)5, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)1, Cholesterol (mg)146, Sodium (mg)531, Carbohydrate (g)20, Total Sugar (g)4, Fiber (g)2, Protein (g)19, Vitamin A (DV%)0, Vitamin C (DV%)10, Calcium (DV%)36, Iron (DV%)10, Starch (d.e.)1, Vegetables (d.e.).5, Medium-fat Meat (d.e.)2, Fat (d.e.)1, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
The Body

Ultimate Biker Makeover; Win Stylin’ Shirts from Rebel Girl Gear

How would you like to score new diggs from Rebel Girl Gear?
Send in your submission of why your deserving of an Ultimate Biker Makeover and the new styles could be yours along with TONS of other gear/parts! (Winner gets to pick his or her style and size of options available in stock)
Rebel Girl® understands that part of feeling good is looking good, which is why Rebel Girl® takes great pride in offering high quality tattoo inspired Women’s Motorcycle Apparel and Accessories: Leather Jackets, Hoodies, Long & Short Sleeve Shirts, Deep V-Neck T-Shirts, Tank Tops, Designer Shirts, Belts & Belt Buckles, Head Gear, Bags & Wallets, Patches and more.
…Because the Journey Never Ends
“PEACE”
A Rebel Girl Designer Scoop Neck Shirt with custom Screen print on front and arm. Designer shirt graphics created by Rebel Girl. 100% preshrunk cotton to give it that vintage soft touch Crystal washed and custom color dyed by Rebel Girl Made in the USA!
“KEY”A Rebel Girl V-neck Short Sleeve with “Key” design on front design created by Rebel Girl. Made in the USA!
The Machine

Spring Maintenance; Taking care of your lawn!

Our Friends at 146 Supply Center in Millbury Mass were kind enough to clue us in on what we need to do for that annual spring time lawn care.
We were informed that as soon as the ground dries up a little you need to determine if your lawn needs dethatched, essentially removing the dead grass from your lawn.
There are typically two ways to dethatch your lawn:
1. Manually with a leaf rake, garden rake, or thatching rake.
2. with a Power Dethatcher (vertical cutter shown in the image).
Smaller to medium sized lawns can be manually dethatched, assuming that you have the time.
If you don’t own the power equipment you can rent from local shops or hire a company to do this for you.
Once you are finished, be sure to remove all thatch and debris from your lawn. Unlike aerating, dethatching is almost strictly for the removal of thatch and debris. Removal can usually be done with a simple leaf rake.
Once your lawn is dethatched, it is usually a great time to fertilize your lawn and/or reseed it. Remember, the greater the cut into the soil and thatch removal, the greater the soil exposure, especially to the grass roots. If you decide to reseed, follow-up by ranking the suspended seeds into the soil, add fertilizer, and apply a light covering of matter and/or sand. Additionally, it is a good idea to give your lawn extra watering after dethatching, especially during times of high heat and droughts.
A final note: Dethatching is NOT a pretty process. It is analogist to the old saying, “Out of chaos comes harmony.” The deeper the blades cut into your lawn, the more stress, and hence, the greater the recovery time for your lawn. In short, your lawn can look pretty bad after a deep power thatching. But remember, if you dethatch just prior to the grass’s prime growing season, then it should recover rather quickly and you will soon be enjoying a beautiful full plush green lawn, now doesn’t that sound perfect after this crazy ass winter we just had?
Cruisin' Companions

MARION

11 month old Jersey Wooly
Have you ever seen a more handsome rabbit than me? I bet you haven’t! Besides being handsome, I am also calm and a bit shy. I like to be held, but I will come to you when I want attention.

I also like to be groomed and it’s a good thing, because I have a lot of fur! I’ll need to be brushed every day to keep my fur looking nice and neat, but you’ll like grooming me as much as I like being groomed, I promise!

I really like exploring my environment and I hope that you’ll let me investigate my new home thoroughly. My foster mom said that I am almost litter box trained and with a little bit of patience, I’m sure that I’ll have it down pat in no time.

If you’re looking for a handsome and affectionate rabbit, I’m sure you can’t do any better than me. I hope that you have the forever home I’ve been waiting for! Won’t you stop by Animal Friends and meet me today?
The Machine

Ford SmartGauge With EcoGuide Receives Two Patents for Helping Drivers Maximize Their Fuel Economy

Ford Motor Company has received two patents related to SmartGauge with EcoGuide, an innovative instrument cluster for hybrid owners. The technology provides real-time information to help change driving behaviors and help maximize fuel efficiency.
The first patent was awarded earlier this year and covers EcoGuide, the display of leaves and vines that “reacts” to short-term driving habits and coaches drivers in a way that helps them achieve the best fuel economy. The second patent – awarded March 1 – covers the power threshold gauge that measures and displays power demand at any given moment.
“Increasing gas prices have people paying more attention to the fuel economy a vehicle offers, but rarely do they look at their own driving habits to help boost miles per gallon,” said David Watson, research engineer and part inventor of SmartGauge with EcoGuide. “These patents are a symbol of Ford’s commitment to finding ways to positively change driving behaviors to help maximize fuel efficiency.”
SmartGauge with EcoGuide features two 4.3-inch full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, and average and instant miles per gallon.
The power threshold gauge is important, Watson explained, because it shows how close a vehicle is to switching from electric-only mode to blended mode. With that information, the driver may adjust driving behavior to try and keep the vehicle in electric-only mode.
Taking a design cue from the Ford hybrid leaf logo, Ford graphic designers developed an animation of growing leaves and vines that track and reward a driver’s efficiency.
Called EcoGuide, the function also displays how many miles per gallon a vehicle is getting at any given moment and estimates how many more miles a vehicle has until it runs out of fuel.
“These two parts contribute to the overall purpose of SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which is to help drivers instantaneously achieve maximum fuel economy,” said Gil Portalatin, hybrid applications manager.
SmartGauge with EcoGuide is available on Ford Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
The feature allows drivers to choose one of four data screens including:
Inform: This is the basic level of information such as fuel level and battery charge status
Enlighten: The default display mode, this screen displays what mode the vehicle is operating in and instantaneous fuel economy; it includes a tachometer
Engage: This screen includes a gauge that shows gasoline and electric power use
Empower: This level gives a full range of hybrid information that allows drivers to monitor the level of their driving efficiency
All levels show engine coolant temperature and the gear the vehicle is in. Also, they are customizable to show instant fuel economy; fuel economy history; odometer and trip data, including trip fuel economy; long-term fuel economy and miles to empty. And while most competitive vehicles have some of this information in the center stack, Ford has made it user-friendly, conveniently located right in front of the driver on the instrument panel.
Ford researchers, designers and engineers collaborated with IDEO and Smart Design, two world leaders in helping consumers connect with technology, as well as automotive electronics technology supplier Johnson Controls to design and develop the unique instrument cluster.
Watson said these are just the first two patents that SmartGauge with EcoGuide has earned, and that he expects the technology will earn more.
Ford is committed to providing fuel-efficient vehicles for drivers around the globe. Record investment in new engines, six-speed transmissions and new fuel-saving technologies such as EcoBoost™, twin independent variable camshaft timing and electric power-assisted steering has raised the fleet average fuel economy performance for Ford vehicles faster and at a greater percentage than any major automaker, according to a report from the EPA.
In total, Ford has 12 vehicles including cars, utilities and crossovers in the U.S. that lead their sales segments in fuel economy – a number no other automaker matches. Ford also offers four vehicles with 40 mpg or better in city driving.
The Body

Eat right with color during National Nutrition Month

“Eat Right with Color.”
Kristin Klinefelter, registered dietitian with Medsave Family Pharmacy and Wellness Center, said, “eating your colors” is a concept that all age groups can incorporate.
“No matter what kind of group or client I am talking to, I can incorporate education about the importance of colorful fruits and vegetables,” she said. “Children love the challenge of ‘rating their plate’ to see what colors of the rainbow they are eating, and adults with all medical conditions or wellness goals can incorporate color and get excited about it.”
Use this quick color guide to add color to meals and snacks:
Green produce indicates antioxidant potential and may help promote healthy vision and reduce cancer risks.
– Fruits: avocado, apples, grapes, honeydew, kiwi and lime.
– Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, green peppers and leafy greens such as spinach.
Orange and deep yellow fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that promote healthy vision and immunity, and reduce the risk of some cancers.
– Fruits: apricot, cantaloupe, grapefruit, mango, papaya, peach and pineapple.
– Vegetables: carrots, yellow pepper, yellow corn and sweet potatoes.
Purple and blue options may have antioxidant and anti-aging benefits and may help with memory, urinary tract health and reduced cancer risks.
– Fruits: blackberries, blueberries, plums, raisins.
– Vegetables: eggplant, purple cabbage, purple-fleshed potato.
Red indicates produce that may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and may reduce cancer risks.
– Fruits: cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, red/pink grape fruit, red grapes and watermelon.
– Vegetables: beets, red onions, red peppers, red potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes.
White, tan and brown foods sometimes contain nutrients that may promote heart health and reduce cancer risks.
– Fruits: banana, brown pear, dates and white peaches.
– Vegetables: cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, turnips, white-fleshed potato and white corn.
The Machine

Big Dog Done

By Daniel McCoy, WBJ Biz Talk
Big Dog Motorcycles in Wichita is ceasing production and converting into a parts manufacturer and distributor, according to sources in the custom motorcycle industry.
Rick Fairless, whose Texas-based dealership, Strokers Dallas, sells Big Dog motorcycles, on Tuesday confirmed with the WBJ comments he made to Dealernews.com.
Fairless says he has spoken with Big Dog owner Sheldon Coleman who told him the bank took over and production has been stopped for good. Coleman plans to create a new business that makes and sells parts to Big Dog owners and dealers, Fairless says.
Coleman did not immediately return calls seeking comment on Tuesday. Company president Mike Simmons was unavailable to speak.
Fairless says the news from Coleman wasn’t good, but it wasn’t completely unexpected either.
“It was something that you dreaded and hoped the day would never arrive,” he says. “Of all the manufacturers I’ve worked with, none came close to taking care of their dealers like Sheldon Coleman and Big Dog. It’s kind of the end of an era.”
Questions about Big Dog’s future began swirling Monday after the company confirmed it had furloughed 10 more employees and industry insider Cyril Huze reported that the company was closing its doors.
Big Dog’s president, Mike Simmons, told the WBJ on Monday that the business was still open, but he wouldn’t comment on the company’s future.
On Tuesday, Huze told the WBJ in an email that he stood by his blog but would not reveal his sources.
Fairless says he’s sold two Big Dogs within the last month, as he worked through his remaining inventory.