S: Is for Sustainable savings running out!

The clock is ticking for clean energy. The federal tax credits that support investments in wind and solar power are about to expire. If you made improvements to your home in 2007 to make it more energy efficient, you may be eligible for a tax credit. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 encouraged homeowners to invest in cleaner technology and energy efficiency by offering credits of up to $500 for qualified insulation, replacement windows and doors, water heaters, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. Tax credits, unlike tax deductions, are as good as a rebate. But the home improvements tax credit expired at the end of 2007. Despite soaring energy costs and concerns about global warming, the Senate has failed to pass legislation to extend the incentives. Proposed incentives would save at least $50 billion and would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 67 million metric tons. There's still time to install a solar energy system this year and claim a tax credit in 2009. You can get back 30 percent of the cost of qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems, up to $2000, until the end of 2008. The credit applies to second homes too. You may also be eligible for rebates or other incentives from your state when you make energy-related improvements to your home. For state-by-state details, see http://www.dsireusa.org/ and learn more about qualified products and credits on the Energy Star website. If you've got a new hybrid parked in the driveway, don't forget to claim your tax credit. The alternative motor vehicle credit is available for certain hybrid, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles purchased new in 2007 for business or personal use. Check with your accountant or the IRS website for full details on these tax credits. We need to keep an eye on the Senate as they vote on the clean energy tax packages. New legislation enacted in January will reward builders with tax credits for improving the energy efficiency of new homes. Did you know the average American home loses between 10 percent and 50 percent of its energy due to inadequate insulation and inefficient lighting and appliances. The biggest challenge may be getting builders both large and small to consider installing more energy-efficient, yet pricier products and systems. "A high-performance window is more expensive. A higher performing wall system is more expensive. Some believe the tax credits will help. The clean power industry has been a bright spot in our economy, providing jobs, relief from skyrocketing energy prices and solutions to the climate crisis.

It is a F.A.C.T that everything now costs more, but it is also a F.A.C.T. in the long run that solar energy can sustain the planet and that is a F.A.C.T. that makes sense.

T: Is for a new brand of Tonka Toys!

As gas prices hit record highs, an entrepreneur has transformed the world into an electric car phenomenon. The Xebra is a unique electric vehicle designed by a veteran company called ZAP. Rather than try to reinvent a gasoline car to be electric, ZAP designs as a simple solution for todays growing market. ZAP says its Xebra electric cars and trucks cost from 1-3 cents per mile while gasoline costs 15-20 cents per mile and the ZAP Xebra can get about 146 MPG. The California Air Resources Board estimates you can save 750 gallons of gas or $2,500 a year by driving an electric vehicle 30 miles a day. Electric vehicles also reduce automotive emissions by 90 percent. They also offer quieter operation, less maintenance, tune-ups and insurance costs. Because of its unique design, the xebra falls under a motorcycle classification and was designed for a top-speed of up to 40 MPH. As of now the Xebra will be allowed to drive with conventional traffic.











ZAP has been a leader in advanced transportation technologies since 1994, delivering over 100,000 vehicles to consumers in more than 75 countries. At the forefront of fuel-efficient transportation with new technologies including energy efficient gas systems, hydrogen, electric, fuel cell, ethanol, hybrid and other innovative power systems, ZAP has a joint venture called Detroit Electric to manufacture electric and hybrid vehicles with Youngman Automotive Group, one of China's leading manufacturers of buses and trucks. Detroit Electric is developing a freeway capable electric vehicle called the ZAP Alias in collaboration with Lotus Engineering. They are also developing a new generation of vehicles using advanced nanotech batteries. The Company recently announced a strategic partnership with Dubai-based Al Yousuf Group to expand its international vehicle distribution. Price wise they are affordable starting at $11,700.00 for the Xebra, $12,500.00-$14,950.00 for the truck version, $32,500 for the highway version and $60,000 for the ultimate experience. $100 holds your reservation for the Xebra's and $1000 the trucks as they are not expected out until fall. For those of you looking for a good investment this is a company only on the rise. To learn more go to www.zapworld.com

The Tonka's of our childhood have come to life and that is a F.A.C.T.

C: is for getting your wish!

If you were to magically find Aladdin's lamp and get those 3 precious wishes, most of us would wish for the fountain of youth. Ponce de Leon searched for it but the Tessa Corporation, the company behind Genie Beauty Products found it. I am so excited after trying and using these products for over a week now, that I am ready to rave and believe me you will too if you are over 30. From erasing fine lines and wrinkles to removing dark circles, Genie's products truly deliver. There are 6 in all and each one is effective if not down right essential.

GENIE Instant Line Smoother ($30), combines powerful ingredients like Aloe, collagen, peptides, antioxidants and an exclusive T-One complex to help reduce the signs of aging and restore one's natural beauty. My skin has this tendency to eat make-up. I swear it thinks it's a food. This product made my skin feel smooth and kept make-up on my face all day, which is remarkable. I had a lot of events to attend. I started my day at 9am and when I finally had a chance to get ready for bed I found I actually had to take it off. Now that is magic!

GENIE Line Smoothing Foundation ($40), contains light-refracting particles that help deflect light away from fine lines and wrinkles, which adds to a noticeably younger appearance. I really like this foundation, as it felt like it was barely there. It provided coverage without my noticing it. I kept getting, "Wow, you look great! I wish I had skin like yours." compliment all week. I found that Genie's Beauty products represent natural beauty at its best.

GENIE Vibrant Eyes Concealer Pen($30) reduces dark circles by 28%! I have a few friends who could seriously benefit from this particular miracle.Treating and Concealing dark circles with one product in three colors neutral, light and medium makes it easy. I found it helped my eye shadow seem crease proof and made fine lines seem barely there.

Make Me Blush ($20), only comes in one color, so I gave it to my friend Tyler who is a celebrity make-up artist, thinking it was too dark for me. She immediately was intrigued when she applied it to her face. She called me over and started applying it to my face and then held up a mirror. Low and behold it enhanced my coloring and looked as great on me as it did her. We applied it to our lips thinking hey, double the pleasure and yep sure enough it was great. The mineral-based formula does not contain shimmer, glitter or gloss so it really is a multi-purpose make-up great for your purse for this emergency touch-ups.

TLC mascara ($20), is a dual-ended mascara designed to add volume, thickness and length to your top lashes with a smaller brush to give color and definition to the lower lashes. Though I am a big fan of the new fiber enhanced mascara's having the skimpiest eyelashes around I found this to be natural, smooth, non-clumping and easy to apply. I did notice as difference on my bottom lashes as they caught more volume.

I have saved GENIE's Cashmere Powder ($38) for last, as it is my favorite product. This radiant powder goes on silky and feels sooooo good on. With a slight shimmer it adds a subtle luminescent, that has you looking radiant. I had several people ask me this week if I was in love. The answer is NO! but if people are asking I know this product is working.

They say beauty is skin deep which is true, but isn't it nice to know it can also be up-front and a F.A.C.T. and with Genie it is.

A: Is for art that is found everywhere!

I know that Jeff Koons is considered a highly respected artist, but to me it looks like he went shopping at "Toys are Us." Like Jack, he found those magic pellets that blow-up into toys when you add water and viola famous artist. Art is suggestive and right now for the public to decide at the MET is an installation of sculptures featuring three of the artist’s works that have never before been seen. The works are set in the most dramatic outdoor space for sculpture in New York City: The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, which offers a spectacular view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Beverage and sandwich service is available from 10:00 a.m. until closing. So enjoy a cappuccino as the sunsets and enjoy. Also at the MET opening tomorrow is the Medieval and Renaissance Treasures from the Victoria and Albert Museum. The institution is currently undergoing extensive renovations, providing a rare opportunity for the museum to lend some of its precious medieval and Renaissance works. On display at the Metropolitan are 35 treasures from the collection that are seldom lent, and most have not been seen previously in New York. Included is an ivory statuette of the crucified Christ by Giovanni Pisano, Donatello’s bronze Winged Putto with Fantastic Fish, , and the Codex Forster 1, one of Leonardo da Vinci's treasured notebooks.

This week at the Javits is the furniture design show but on-line from Japan I found this Rocket Table. Talk about clever!



Advertising also offers some great art offerings. Tell me those don't get the point across.





Art is found every where and that is a F.A.C.T.

F: Is for Food that leaves change!

Food prices are soaring and we all need solace from a trend that doesn't seem to be stopping. Here are some idea's in a multitude of ways.

1st from the Vudu LoungeThursday’s happy hour, aka the “Latin After-work Party”—2-for-1 drinks, a buffet, and the only time admission is free. Brave the thumping salsa, merengue and reggae beats at this UES dance club in exchange for free Caribbean and American eats. The buffet includes rice and beans, roasted pork, salad and baked ziti, among other rotating options, and drinks are two for one (soda from $3, beer from $6, wine from $7, well drinks $8). Thu 5–7pm and located at 1487 First Ave between 77th and 78th Sts.

Next up is The buffet at Tiffin Wallah. For $6 A fresh lunch buffet, offered from 11:30am to 3pm on weekdays, overflows with well-executed South Indian standards like a creamy saag paneer and Gobi masala (cauliflower and peas). To make it even better it's all-you-can-eat. Located at 127 E 28th St at Lexington Ave

Even desserts have gotten hand and it was nice to find Molten chocolate cake at Beard Papa’s for $1.85. A single serving of chocolate cake made with the finest Belgian chocolate, oozing chocolate center, be sure to warm it up before serving! If your not into chocolate they have a selection of creme puffs with favors like green tea, pumpkin and earl grey tea among others. located between 76 and 77th on Broadway.

For those wondering how to combat the supermarket prices try www.bulkfoods.com. Dried fruits, beans, grains can all be bought here in bulk for a fraction of the cost. If it is too much form a co-op and buy together. It is going to get harder but it is a F.A.C.T. that we can make it if we stick together.