James Garnett founds Uriel Solar

Solar Panel

By: Sher Hann

The trend these days is being “Green.”  For quite a while we’ve talked and dreamt about how solar could revolutionize our society.  Now, the hypothesizing is leading to action.  Uriel Solar is a perfect example.  With a goal to revolutionize commercial solar energy, Uriel Solar specializes in minimal cost, thin-film-based  solar panels.

Currently, they’ve initiated prototype development in Westlake Village.  Their team of scientists is developing a solar cell deposition approach and a new patented device structure based on cadmium telluride (CdTe). The optical properties of these thin semiconductor layers are such that >90% of the sunlight will be absorbed and used for generating electricity. These layers are about 1/100 the thickness of a human hair!

Thin-film solar cell substrates can be made of glass, which is very cheap

CDTE Cell

(cheaper than silicon) and the combination of thin layers and cheap glass substrates provide a very price competitive base for the production of solar cells and panels.

Uriel Solar was incorporated in August 2008 and has since then filed important patents, hired experienced materials scientists and established a development facility in Westlake Village, CA. With the arrival of our thin-film deposition system in late June, Uriel Solar has initiated prototype development. Our team of scientists is developing a novel thin-film solar cell deposition approach and a new patented device structure based on cadmium telluride (CdTe), which is a semiconductor alloy with exceptional sunlight-absorbing properties. We are very excited about this new manufacturing approach and our unique device structure, since they are so dramatically different from every other CdTe thin-film technology on the market. The first prototype solar cells should be available the first quarter of 2010.

For more information go to:http://urielsolar.net/default.html

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy. Sher Han Real Estate Ewing and Sotheby’s.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

More Posts

Fresh Produce at the Oak Park Farmers Market

Just a Reminder…

By: Sher Hann

Every Saturday from 9am – 1pm Oak Park hosts a local farmers market at 706 Lindero Canyon.  If you’re looking for fresh produce to cook up, visit the Oak Park Farmers’ Market.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

More Posts

Looking for a high end dental experience?

By: Sherry Radis

A prestigious Dental Institute in Calabasas founded by a Dentist known for his knowledge of high-end, advanced technology is paving a new path in this exclusive community.  The Calabasas Dental Institute™ located in the center of Calabasas is the only full service dental practice and clinical research facility of its kind in Southern California.

“The technology we offer is more advanced than you can imagine,” said Calabasas Dental Institute founder Dr. Greg Rubin DDS. “Thanks to digital technology combined with new applications and inventions, we are equipped to solve even the most difficult treatment cases quickly, completely and more effectively than ever before in the history of Dentistry.”

The Institute’s Department of Clinical Research regularly studies dental advances, news and announcements of dental research and issues commentary, opinion pieces and feedback about the research and posts all of our insight on the website www.CalabasasDentalInstitute.com

Please call the Institute at (818) 224-2420 for an appointment today and for a limited time receive a complimentary consultation and a 2nd opinion on difficult treatment cases performed by in-house doctors and specialists.

The Calabasas Dental Institute 4764 Park Granada suite 107 Calabasas California 91302 818.224.2420

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

More Posts

Swine shows up in cat

By: Sher Hann

In November a cat in Iowa tested positive for the swine flu virus, aka 2009 H1N1 influenza.  According to Iowa officials, this is the first time a cat has been diagnosed with swine flu, although it has been found in pigs, birds and ferrets, but not dogs.  Fortunately, the cat is recovering.

It is surmised that the cat contracted the virus from an infected human in the household.  The cat apparently has not transmitted the disease to either humans or other animals.

If you or someone in your household has flu-like symptoms the week before your pet begins coughing, sneezing and/or running a fever, veterinarians recommend  – no surprise here- contacting your veterinarian. Currently, the only available treatment for pets with swine flu is supportive care. And as with human swine flu, pet owners should take preventive measures, including washing hands often, using alcohol-based hand-sanitizers and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. One other caution:  maintain your distance from your pet when you suffer from flu symptoms.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

More Posts

My son is now 20, and I have followed a low-carb diet since his 16th birthday…

By: Sher Hann

About a year ago, I just had to lighten up – or perhaps I should say, load up. I walked into Barnes & Noble for my bone-dry low-fat cappuccino and spotted a cinnamon scone.  “Do you want it warm?” asked the attendant. I couldn’t resist.  However, at $1.95 a triangle, I thought I could do better.  How hard could it be to make scones?

As it turns out, finding a good recipe was very difficult. I tried recipes from the Internet and recipes from my lifetime accumulation of cookbooks. Nothing was as good as that cinnamon scone from B & N/Starbuck’s.

And then I found Rebecca Griffin.  A fellow REALTOR®, she was having a broker “lunch” at a her new listing in my old neighborhood. “I came for the scones!” I announced unabashedly as I walked in the front door. And scones they were! Cherry and lemon zest, light and flaky, delicately proportioned, served on ethereal Caspari napkins with unsalted butter! The Golden Triangle found!

I have Rebecca to thank for the recipe that follows.  Her scones – and now my scones – are better than those at the Four Seasons Sunday tea, better than those served at an obscure river plantation in Georgetown, SC (where we stopped on a recent vacation) and, yes, even better than Barnes & Noble/Starbuck’s cinnamon scones.

In deference to my husband, I have suggested my gluten-free alteration in parentheses below. Here goes:

·         2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free bake mix with 2-3 teaspoons of xanthan gum added for elasticity)
·         2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
·         1 tablespoon baking powder
·         2 tablespoons sugar
·         ½ teaspoon salt
·         ¼ cup butter
·         2 eggs
·         About 1/3 cup milk mixed with cream

Preheat oven to 425°. Grease a baking sheet.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. With a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, beat eggs and 1/3 cup milk mixed with cream until blended. Stir egg mixture into flour mixture with a fork to make a soft, nonsticky dough, adding more milk or half and half if necessary. Add your choice of dried fruit (raisins, dried cherries, dried blue berries or my favorite – dried orange-flavored cranberries from Trader Joe’s) or lemon zest at this time.
On a lightly floured surface, knead dough 6 to 8 strokes. Form dough into a flat circle about 1 in high and 11 inches in circumference. Brush with milk and sprinkle with course sugar. With a sharp knife dipped in flour, cut 8 (I make 10, in deference to my low-carb diet) pie-shaped wedges. Carefully transfer the wedges to the baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.  Do not over-bake!
Remove from baking sheet; serve warm with butter (or clotted cream) and enjoy the perfect scone!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

More Posts

Alive, Well and Growing

By: Sher Hann

Nestled behind the Westlake Inn, with 10 courts and a minuscule pro shop, Pacific Tennis Club  caters to young, old and “tweeners.”  Despite the current challenging economy, the club’s membership has actually increased about 3% over the past two years, according to club owner Bowie Hahn. This growth is all the more amazing given the fact the local population is – let’s be honest – aging.

What the club lacks in physical amenities (a club house and a private restroom would be nice), it makes up for in programming. I have seen kids so young they can’t tell their left from their right, as well as players we all refer to as “they must have been really good at one time” run, shuffle or hobble onto the courts.  In fact, there’s something for every age: ladies leagues, men’s leagues, clinics for all skill levels, programming for children and youth (it is just a few blocks from both Oaks Christian and Westlake High School), and social events.

Just recently PTC contracted with the City of Agoura Hills to run their tennis programs, with the primary site being Agoura High School.  A community-based club, allowing both members and non-members to participate in activities (non-members pay extra), PTC is also the lowest-priced tennis club in the area, according to Hahn – and perhaps the only club that is growing.

So don’t let the local aging trend stop you – or your skill level for that matter.  Come check out a racquet (for a small fee) if you don’t already have one, check out the pros (usually worthwhile), and enjoy your time on the courts.  If you have a business, service or just an interesting concept that you think your Conejo Valley neighbors might find of interest, e-mail me your idea (idea@SherHann.com).   It may see the light of electronic media here at www.EwingSIR.com.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

More Posts

Do You BOGOPOD™?

By: Sher Hann

In this age of tweeting, texting and chatting, there is a new verb in town: BOGOPOD. In a nutshell, BOGOPOD is a free service for consumers in Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles that provides bi-weekly alerts via e-mail and social media channels – Twitter, MySpace and Facebook – on deals and promotions from area merchants.

At BOGOPOD.com you can find hundreds of tempting offers from more than 125 local merchants. For example, at Bruegger’s Bagels in Agoura Hills you can receive three free bagels. “BOGOPODING” at Cosmos Grill in Calabasas will give you 50% off an entrée.

For local merchants and service providers, BOGOPOD provides feedback on the effectiveness of their promotions.  BOGOPOD’s patent-pending technology tracks how many customers have viewed, clicked, printed and redeemed merchants’ coupon offers, as well as where those customers are coming from. The cost to the merchants and service provides, according to Bay, is  around $150 to $200 a month.

BOGOPOD offers one additional benefit to merchants and consumers alike: It’s a “green” form of promotion.

The brainchild of longtime Oak Park resident David Bay and his business partner, Adam Leff, of Newbury Park, “Buy One Get One Plus Other Discounts” is primarily local. But the concept is transportable. “Our plans are to expand regionally and then nationally,” Bay says.  “Right now our hands are full with Ventura County, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles and Portland. We will be entering Seattle in the next month.”

So the next time you step out the door, step up to your computer first and print out your BOGOPOD coupons to help stretch your dollar and your shopping experience.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Sher Hann

Sher Hann, Estate Agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, Conejo Valley Office, has been a resident of the Conejo Valley for more than 20 years.

More Posts

Pot Pie for the Chilly Weather 

By: Misty Smoke and Regina Cordell

1 package pie crust
Roasted turkey or chicken
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup flour
1/3 cup onion
1 1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
2 cups mixed veggies

Heat oven to 425. Place pie crust in pie pan. (Your pie pan works amazing lol). In sauce pan melt butter over med heat add onions, cook till tender, about 2 mins. Stir in flour salt n pepper. Cook stirring constantly till bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in broth and milk. Heat till boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in turkey or chicken and vegtables, remove from heat. Spoon mixture over crust. Place second crust over filling. Flute edge cut several slits in top. Bake at 425 for 35 or 40 mins. Or until golden brown.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Misty Smoke

Misty Smoke, estate agent at Ewing and Sotheby's International Realty, offers the highest level of services with the essential integrity, dedication and knowledge necessary to achieve her client's lifestyle and goals.With over 10 years of sales experience, Misty's success is a direct result of her dedication to individualized service for her clients.

More Posts - Website

Food, drink, fun and clownin’

By: Misty Smoke

Master chef and owner Mark Cammarono is whipping up some new recipes at his Simi Valley Woodranch Bistro. Recently transformed into a culinary experience using only the finest ingredients, the Bistro also hosts a sports bar open with a DJ on Thursday’s and live band on Friday’s and Saturday’s.

The sports themed bar now offers a wine list and array of larger varieties of hard alcohol – if drinking is your passion you will certainly find the bistro agreeable. And don’t forget to try one of their specialty desserts which are home made by Cammarono’s mother Ginny. Rumor has it the cappuccino cheese cake is her specialty. Cheers!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Misty Smoke

Misty Smoke, estate agent at Ewing and Sotheby's International Realty, offers the highest level of services with the essential integrity, dedication and knowledge necessary to achieve her client's lifestyle and goals.With over 10 years of sales experience, Misty's success is a direct result of her dedication to individualized service for her clients.

More Posts - Website

The hunt for the perfect Bundt

By: Misty Smoke

For nearly 9 months I’ve been in hot pursuit of what some would call the perfect Bundt. However arduous the lengthy process may seem, I must assure you that it has been nothing but pure joy. Although once bashful of attempting to uncover the most prime, flawless Bundt, I have since fully embraced the enticing call.

I was acquainted to the store by way of fluke, that is, I merely stumbled upon the fine establishment on a miserably dreary day last December. My first exposure could be considered somewhat of a tease in that I hadn’t entirely decided what this shop would mean to me. It was not long, however, before I became considerably friendly toward the owners, Tom and Terre Downey. Through snappy rhetoric and my first purchase, my blooming relationship with the store would soon surely reveal the nebulous concept of the premier Bundt.

The first bite was not a fairy tale story of a prince and princess, nor was it entirely repugnant. Instead, as I pulled away from the first bite my eyebrows twitched, raising gently as if to consider the rarity just encountered. Recalling the richness of the chocolate only led me to consider its fluffiness; just as the buttery frosting only led me to ponder its crispness. I was indeed torn. Where to begin? How to approach? How to proceed? The options were immense, yet so simple. Take another bite. The next was a bit larger, again, more interesting, and of course the process continued in scale. Before long the cake was gone and still the desire for the perfect Bundt loomed – now even larger than before. What was a girl to do?

Over a period of 8 months I continued to tease my buds with the most complex of flavors. From dark chocolate to light, from raspberry to carrot and lemon, I knew I had not achieved perfection. I tried pecan swirl and ‘flavors of the month’ to no avail. Then, when the pursuit was ripe, the air began to change. The humidity increased uniformly with the temperature, the trees stopped swaying and the wildlife seemed to disappear. Never mind that it was summer, I was on the verge of discovering the perfect Bundt! I could feel it.

I strolled in to Nothing Bundt Cakes with my usual flaming desire but a bit more casually this time, as if to show my confidence. I struck up a quick conversation and promptly had the one cake that had not yet been consumed. It was the perfect alliance of sugar and eggs, the holy matrimony of vanilla and chocolate – a sensational marble cake. But, alas, after consumption I was fooled! I couldn’t help but think of the famous author Goethe who once said:

“Distance is like the future. A vast twilt entity lies before us, our perception is lost in it and becomes as blurred as our eye site, and we yearn – we yearn to surrender all of ourselves and let ourselves be filled with a single, tremendous, magnificent emotion but alas … when we hurry to the spot, when there becomes here, everything is as it was and we are left standing in our poverty and constraint, our souls longing for the balm that has eluded us.”

I still have yet to find the perfect Bundt, but it’s there. I will keep searching.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Misty Smoke

Misty Smoke, estate agent at Ewing and Sotheby's International Realty, offers the highest level of services with the essential integrity, dedication and knowledge necessary to achieve her client's lifestyle and goals.With over 10 years of sales experience, Misty's success is a direct result of her dedication to individualized service for her clients.

More Posts - Website