ADELAIDE

6 month old domestic shorthair
Adelaide is a black domestic shorthair who was brought to Animal Friends as a stray with three other cats. Shy but curious, Adelaide is coming around to enjoy human affection. This all-black girl, except for a few stray white hairs, is playful, preferring to chase string and her jingle ball. 

Adelaide is litter-trained and likes other cats, especially her condo-mate, Melbourne. Her straight, black tail and green and gold eyes are her most distinctive features.

Adelaide is spayed, up-to-date on her shots, and micro-chipped. If you’re looking for an independent, yet lovely companion, come meet Adelaide today at Animal Friends.

Ford Reluctantly Recalls 144,000 F-150 Pickup Trucks for Airbag Fix

Ford is recalling 144,000 of its popular F-150 pickup trucks to repair airbags that may deploy without warning, a defect that has led to dozens of injuries, government safety officials say.
The decision is a reversal for the nation’s No. 2 automaker, The Detroit News reported. Ford had steadfastly refused to recall the pickups in the face of federal government pressure. Still, the recall isn’t as broad as regulators wanted.
The recall action involves F-150s from the 2005-06 models years “for a relatively low risk of inadvertent air bag deployments,” Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said late Tuesday. Most of the vehicles — 135,000 — are registered in the U.S., with the remainder having been sold in Canada.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sent a letter to the Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker about a month ago, asking it to recall some 1.3 million F-150 pickups from the 2004 to 2006 model years, after receiving reports from dozens of people about unexpectedly deploying airbags that resulted in injuries, the News reported.
The injuries included chipped and broken teeth, cuts to the arm, hand and face, lacerations and minor burns, NHTSA found in its investigation, which has been ongoing since September 2009. Two owners reported a loss of consciousness as a result of air bag deployment.
Ford resisted recalling the trucks, it said, because the number of incidents was low, the injuries were minor and “consumers received adequate warning” as a result of an illuminated air-bag warning light that alerts drivers that the vehicle needs to be serviced, the News reported.
Still, Ford on Tuesday said it would work with the government to deal with the defects. “Ford is committed to safety and will continue to work cooperatively with NHTSA in addressing any further questions,” Sherwood said.

Fifth Annual Massachusetts Tattoo and Art Festival

Anyone up there in the winter wonderland North East suffering from Cabin Fever we have the perfect spot for you to get out, the Mass Tattoo and Art Festival will be held at the Sturbridge Host Hotel in Sturbridge Mass  March 18-20th.

The Massachusetts Tattoo & Art Festival (MTAF) has welcomed tattoo artists and vendors from all over the world and has become New England’s fasting growing tattoo convention. Garage-Girls  Aung and Jo will be reporting to fill us in on all the cool fresh new art, so if you see them say Hi and show ’em your ink! This year you can check out, Live Tattooing, Body Piercing, Contests, Apparel & Accessories, Artwork, Live Music & Comedy.
The event will be Hosted by Tyler Fyre of the Lucky DareDevil Thrillshow
See Babe Pino Band perform live, Saturday, March 19th
Special Guest:  Lyle Tuttle.

CASSIDY

7 year old Collie/German Shepherd mix
Hi there! My name’s Cassidy, and I’ve had a bit of a rough time so far. Animal Friends doesn’t know the particulars of my past, but my ears are a little torn up, which might mean that I’ve been in scuffles with other dogs or hurt in the past. Either way, I’m a little timid now and I’m looking for someone to coax me back into being a real fun dog!

I’m very friendly and enjoy attention: call me a people-oriented dog. I like some dogs, and might get along with yours. I don’t have a lot of experience with training yet, but maybe you could teach me.

The biggest issue is that I am still a little scared and afraid of new things and situations. If you take the time to properly introduce me to new people and experiences, I bet I’ll do great. Just stop by and meet me at Animal Friends.

Rookie Cross-Country Motorcyclist Asks Other Women at the International Motorcycle Show, “What Are You Waiting For?”

Tamela Rich reflects on motorcycle travel as part of a personal turnaround strategy, advises how to use social media for safety and companionship on the open road.
You may remember Tamela as the winner of the VaVaVroom “are you one of those girls” contest winner, well she is now going to be speaking at the International Motorcycle Show at the CAROLINA FIRST CENTER, GREENVILLE, S.C. in the Women Ride area. She is scheduled to speak Fri., Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 26 at 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 27 at 12:30 p.m.
For aspiring cross-country riders or those who are new to motorcycling, Tamela says, “Don’t be afraid to stretch and grow. Training is out there, communications devices are reliable, and there’s a community of fellow enthusiasts eager to bring you into the fold.”  She has personally sent an email inviting any friends of Garage-Girls to stop by and say Hi.

mexican winter chili

Ok so most of us are getting another winter blast, so a very kind  reader has shared this recipe to help warm us all up.
ingredients
•1  lb.  pork stew meat
•2  Tbsp.  olive oil
•1  large  onion, chopped
•1  medium  fresh poblano pepper, finely chopped
•1  large  red sweet pepper, cut into 3/4-inch pieces
•2  tsp.  unsweetened cocoa powder
•1  tsp.  ground cumin
•1/2  tsp.  garlic powder
•1/8  tsp.  ground cinnamon
•Dash  cayenne pepper
•1  14-oz. can  chicken broth
•1  15-oz. can  pumpkin
•1/4  cup  whipping cream
•Fesh cilantro (optional)
directions
1. In a Dutch oven cook and stir pork in hot oil over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until browned. Stir in onion, poblano, and sweet pepper. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in cocoa powder, cumin, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cayenne. Add broth and 1/2 cup water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until pork is tender.
2. Stir in pumpkin, cream, and salt and black pepper to taste. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer 5 minutes. Top with fresh cilantro. Makes 4 (1-1/4 cup) servings.
nutrition facts
•Calories362, Total Fat (g)20, Saturated Fat (g)7, Monounsaturated Fat (g)10, Polyunsaturated Fat (g)2, Cholesterol (mg)91, Sodium (mg)626, Carbohydrate (g)19, Total Sugar (g)7, Fiber (g)5, Protein (g)27, Vitamin C (DV%)2.24, Calcium (DV%)8, Iron (DV%)21, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Confirms Electric Test Vehicle Project

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today confirmed the development of 102EX, a one-off, fully electric powered Phantom, to debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1, 2011.  The car will tour during 2011, serving as a test bed to gather a bank of research data which will be crucial in informing future decisions on alternative drive-trains for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
“We have engineered the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment,” said CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos, speaking from the company’s headquarters in Goodwood. “With this vehicle, we begin an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future.”
Rolls-Royce produces cars that represent the pinnacle in luxurious motoring for the world’s most discerning customers.  With 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), it is the company’s intention to carefully test the opinions and reactions to alternative drive-train options of a range of stakeholders including owners, enthusiasts, members of the public and the media.
102EX will serve as a working test bed for a global tour that takes in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America. Through test drives, owners will be given the opportunity to experience an alternative drive-train technology and to feedback their experiences, thoughts and concerns directly to Rolls-Royce.
While there are no plans to develop a production version, as one of the company’s EX models it will serve to begin a dialogue with existing owners and stakeholders, posing as well as answering questions of its audience.
These include the car’s ability to deliver an acceptable range between re-charges and to operate in extreme weather conditions. But also to benchmark reliability and quality against customer expectations of the world’s pinnacle automotive brand.
Looks like everyone is getting on the “Green” Car band Wagon

Garage-Girls Profile; Heyltje Rose

Garage-Girls Profile; Heyltje Rose
If your into motorcycles and fashion you have probably seen some of this talented artists work, All of us here at Garage-Girls are fans and wanted to share with you all a little more about this savvy talent, so here is our Garage-Girls profile on Heyltje Rose…….
GG. Tell us about you, where are you from, what are you into and what do you like to do with your free time?
HR. I’m from the sticks- Hector, upstate NY. I am a leathersmith, but also enjoy Pilates, bikes, fashion, antiques, art. I am presently in the process of getting my Pilates certification.
GG. How did you find your passion for your craft? How long have you been doing it?
HR. I can credit my boyfriend and Paul Cox for getting me into working with leather. My boyfriend had worked with leather as a kid. He had minimal tools. When I saw Indian Larry’s bikes and those incredible seats I wanted to learn how to tool. I bought tools and old manuals from the 70’s and messed around with them. I was hooked. I have been doing it for 5 years
GG. What do you love most about your artwork?
HR. I love that I have found my niche and can make a living from what I love to do. I love that I now have an excuse to go antiquing and buy findings. I include as much of it as possible in my work.
GG. Do you have a sweet car or a motorcycle?
HR. My only vehicle is a Mini Cooper S. Love it, but doesn’t have the character of a vintage car or hand made bike. I love old wagons…Someday I will own a Rambler. And someday I will have a flat head built by my favorite fabricator, Lock Baker @ Eastern Fabrications…
GG. What are you most passionate about in life?
HR. I am most passionate about living the life that I want to live no matter what anyone else thinks or how much people might judge me for it. I want to always do what I love (which may change someday) instead of having the driving force be monetary gain.
GG. Is there anything you would love to learn to do?
HR. I would love to get into Gyrotonics. It is a form of exercise that I have always wanted to check out.
GG. Where would you most like to visit?
HR. I have always wanted to see the Pyramids…Maybe someday when things aren’t in so much turmoil there.
GG. What is your idea of relaxing?
HR. Relaxation is yoga, a dirty martini at the end of a hard day, a deep tissue massage.
GG. What type of music do you normally listen to?
HR. I listen to Gangsta rap, old hip hop, Dylan, dub, bluegrass, punk, house….
GG. Do you collect anything?
HR. I collect old bar ware and Pyrex. It is a problem. If it is reasonably priced, I can’t leave it on the shelf….If anyone has the vintage shaker with pink elephants I NEED it.
To see more work and just drool over the imagery visit  heyltjerose.com
She also has a cool blog we follow, you can check that out here