Business

Using a Visiting Timeshare Calculator When Making a Parenting Time Schedule

I recently heard from a man who was involved in a custody situation. He explained that he and his ex-wife had gone to mediation to try to set up a parenting schedule. During the course of the mediation, they came up with a schedule that they both agreed on. He said he was ready to sign the agreement, but decided to take it home and review it for a couple of days. Once he was home, he bought a computer program that had a timeshare visitor calculator. She entered her schedule and realized that the schedule she was about to sign was actually giving her a lot less time with the kids than it seemed. He went back to mediation with some changes to the schedule that made it much fairer.

Unfortunately, most parents don’t realize how important a visitation timeshare calculator can be to their parenting schedule. However, many times the terms of the schedule may seem fair, but they hide additional vacation time, weekends and other hidden visits that significantly alter the percentage of parental timeshare. For a schedule to be truly fair, parents need to know the exact timeshare of visits they have with the children.

Timeshare visits are calculated by adding up all the time each parent has with their children. The hours can then be converted to a percentage so that parents can easily compare them. Parents can manually review the schedule to calculate the percentage, or they can get computer programs to help them calculate it.

Knowing about timeshare visits also benefits parents who are trying to establish a timeshare schedule with parents. In a shared parenting schedule, the mother and father have generally agreed to set a schedule in which each spends about half the time with the children. If parents know the timeshare percentage when they create the schedule, they can really make one that allows each parent to have about fifty percent of the time.

To make sure parenting time is correct, parents need to know all about it. This includes knowing about timeshare visits. By taking the time and effort to figure this out, parents can have peace of mind knowing that the schedule is the best possible for them and their children.

Relationship

Childhood obesity and chore time

We all had chores when we were little. We wash dishes, fold clothes, put them away and help with housework. As we got older, we added help with garden work. It didn’t occur to us that we were exercising but, in fact, we were. It was just more productive.

Calories burned: A good calorie counter, like caloriesperhour.com, will help show how many calories a person has burned and consumed. This is an easy way to gauge if your child (or anyone else) is physically doing enough to get and / or stay in shape. Believe me, garden work can add up to a good result.

Life skills taught: Over time, our children will grow up to have their own home and their own responsibilities. Learning to cook, clean, and garden will prepare you for that moment. You can also show them professional ideas. Gardening was one of the factors that led me to become a master herbalist.

Relieve parental pressure: It is difficult to work all day and then have to do all the tasks that accumulate. It’s hard enough for working parents to prepare a healthy meal, take care of homework, and get children to go to bed on time. Having the help of children can take some of the pressure off. Children will feel the relief.

Bonding: As much as I hate washing dishes, there were cases where we were kids that allowed some kind of bonding to happen. When Dad helped with them, we were able to talk. It was a one-on-one time; Believe me, the rest of the children would not dream of going to the kitchen when they have to wash the dishes at a table of seven people.

It may seem like we should keep our kids from doing all the chores we had when we were kids, but we wouldn’t be doing them any favors. They will not learn what to do, they will miss special moments that can happen with shared tasks, and they may assume that there will always be someone doing the dirty work.

Gaming

Repair Mass Effect 2 Crash in Windows 7, Vista and XP

Are you playing Mass Effect 2 on Windows 7, Vista, or Windows XP? Does your game crash in the middle of the game? If the answer to these questions is yes, you will have to correct your PC and / or game settings to fix the problem. Unfortunately, you are not the only one facing this problem. Many other users also report the same issue on different tech help forums. Sometimes Mass Effect 2 crashes on desktop due to Windows registry corruption, while at other times it crashes due to corrupted game files.

Here are some steps that can help you fix the game crashing problem.

Resume from previous saved time

To stop game crashes, please resume the game from the last saved profile. Now keep playing and keep saving game profiles.

Repair ME 2 registry entries

The Windows registry is a database where the operating system stores information about the game in the form of entries. These entries are accessed every time the game is run on your system. The best way to fix Mass Effect 2 crash is to remove the corruption in the Windows registry. You can use a system utility software that provides the function of a registry cleaner.

Reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework

ME 2 requires Microsoft .NET Framework installed on your system. Due to Microsoft .NET Framework corruption, you may experience a Mass Effect 2 crash.

Reinstall it to fix the problem.

Click Start | Control Panel.

Click Programs | Uninstall a program.

Select “Microsoft .NET Framework” and click the “Uninstall” button.

Follow the onscreen wizard and restart your computer when the process is complete.

Visit the Microsoft website and download a new installer for the Microsoft .NET Framework.

Run the downloaded file to install the product on your computer.

Configure system volume properties

To avoid Mass Effect 2 crashes, change the properties of the system volume by following the steps below:

Click Start | Control Panel.

Click Hardware and Sound | Dream.

On the “Playback” tab, select your speaker and click “Properties”.

Click on the “Enhancements” tab.

Turn off all the items listed there.

Click OK.

Again, select your speaker and click the “Configure” button.

From “Audio Channels”, select the “Stereo” option.

Click Next.

Check the box “Completely left and right” as checked and click Next.

Click Next | Finish | OK.

Set priority in real time

There is a process called Realtime. Applying these settings can improve game performance. The steps are provided below:

Start Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete.

Click on the Processes tab.

Right click on the process named Mass Effect.

Select the option Set priority | Real time.

Please restart it.

Health Fitness

Is Acai Berry Good For Depression?

There are many people with depression who take antidepressants and many of these people do not realize that there are many natural alternatives. The prescription drugs that many doctors administer on a daily basis can be more harmful to their patients than the disease itself. There are side effects, both short-term and long-term, and some of these drugs are highly addictive.

One of the most recent discoveries that have been made is the Acai berry. It comes from the Amazon rainforests of Brazil, in the Acai palm. This berry is actually smaller than a grape and most of it is just seed. In fact, only 10% of the berry is real fruit. However, this small amount of fruit is packed with all kinds of nutrients our bodies need, and while it doesn’t actually cure depression itself, you can use it to treat many of the symptoms without antidepressants.

For one thing, the Acai berry is packed with antioxidants that our body needs. It is ideal for treating various symptoms related to depression. Some antidepressants are aimed at raising serotonin levels in the brain, and sometimes these lowered levels are the result of inflammation of the brain. The Acai berry reduces inflammation, both in the brain and elsewhere, and can bring these levels back to normal. It can also improve brain cell communication and help improve your metabolism.

Antidepressants have other effects on your body besides treating depression. One of them is its sedative qualities that can make you fall asleep. This is because people with this disease may have trouble sleeping. Another part of the problem that accompanies depression is weight control. Either they don’t eat enough or they eat too much, leading to weight gain, making them self-conscious and adding to depression. It can be a vicious cycle.

Depression also affects your energy levels, and the use of antidepressants doesn’t really help in this area. In fact, some medications can make you feel more lethargic and make you not want to do anything at all. To combat the effects of depression, you must go out and do things, like exercise, and still do activities that you normally would. Acai berries help to stimulate your metabolism, give you energy, and allow you to continue without harmful stimulants.

Some of the symptoms and causes of depression are due to the accumulation of free radicals in our system. While we all have them in our bodies, too many can be harmful. If you don’t know what a free radical is, here is a short explanation. Free radicals are organic molecules that are unstable, either from natural cellular processes or from external sources, such as eating an unhealthy diet, being around contaminations, etc. These molecules are unstable because they don’t have enough electrons, so they try to steal them from other cells in the body, which in turn turns healthy cells into radicals and so on causing a virtual domino effect. While some are not that bad, the problem is that when there are too many they can accelerate the aging process, cause a depletion effect, accelerate tissue damage, and even cause some diseases. Not only do antidepressants do nothing for this, they can actually create more free radicals in the body, further contributing to these problems.

Because these berries are packed with antioxidants, which scavenge these free radicals, taking them can have a good overall effect in treating depression, without the damaging effects of antidepressant medications. It also has the highest oxygen radical or ORAC absorption capacity of any other fruit or vegetable. ORAC is the ability to absorb oxygen free radicals in the body, and although some fruits and vegetables have high levels, around 2,400 for blueberries, the USDA recommends eating 3,000 to 5,000 units a day. Acai berries score higher than this, with 5,500 ORAC.

So where can you get Acai berries to help treat your depression naturally and without antidepressants? You can’t go out to your local market and buy them fresh. They are an extremely delicate fruit and only last for about 24 hours before spoiling. You can buy drinks and powders, as well as different types of tablets. However, you need to be very careful, because some people will try to scam you with inferior quality.

Lifestyle Fashion

The best hotels in New York

If you want to visit New York and escape all the daily stress that life presents you, look no further than our best hotels in New York! Experience luxury and immerse yourself in the culture New York is known for and enjoy the best of everything New York has to offer. We promise that your New York experience is sure to be a vacation you will never forget!

Hotel St Regis

Two East 55th Street at Fifth Avenue

When it comes to the St. Regis Hotel, no expense was spared. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted by excellent staff and have your own iconic butler service. Wrap yourself in the beautiful décor of silk tapestries, luxurious velvets, golden staircases, custom-made furnishings, deeply carved crown molding and wainscoting, and marble bathrooms. There are several bars and lounges available along with a restaurant with food from acclaimed chef Alain Ducasse. In 2009 he received the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award for the fifteenth consecutive year. Prices start at around $ 1000 per night.

The Peninsula New York

700 Fifth Avenue

Experience the most comfortable you have ever been in, surround yourself in the softness of a terrycloth robe and soak up the beauty of the elegantly appointed Peninsula hotel. From room service to the impressive Shanghai-inspired restaurant, there is no shortage of great food on the Peninsula. Enjoy a dip in the rooftop pool or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. Prices start at around $ 975 per night.

Square

Fifth Avenue

Looking for a hotel that screams luxury and sophistication? If so, look no further than the Plaza Hotel in New York. It’s no wonder why this elegant hotel made our list of New York’s Best Hotels, as the square footage makes it the largest hotel in New York and recently underwent a $ 450 million renovation, the atmosphere and the size are above the rest. The Plaza features the legendary oak paneled Oak Bar, the elegant Champagne Bar and the elegant Rose Club with beautiful pools and gardens. The captivating deluxe suites have an elegant and extravagant décor that is perfect for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. And with its convenient location within walking distance of New York’s best shops, restaurants, nightlife, and art galleries, this hotel can’t be beat. Prices start at around $ 700 per night.

70 Park Avenue

Park Avenue

Designed to feel like a home away from home with its most intimate layout, 70 Park Avenue is a refreshing change from other New York hotels. This eco-friendly hotel uses green chemicals and products, organic food, and energy-efficient technology. Rooms feature complimentary wine hour, wireless Internet, newspapers, and coffee, and feature in-room spa services, limo service, wine tours, and pet-friendly accommodations. Prices average around 300 per night.

The strand

33 West 37th Street

It is difficult to be a new hotel and to be among the best hotels in New York, but this hotel deserves its place for sure. Around the corner, with spectacular views of the Empire State Building, is Manhattan’s newest modern luxury hotel. One of the hotel’s best features is its rooftop patio restaurant overlooking the New York skyline. Enjoy a complimentary European-style breakfast buffet with spectacular cuisine, a relaxing message in your spa, work out in your well-equipped gym, and more. Within walking distance of Times Square, Broadway Theater, Fashion District, Bryant Park, Empire State Bldg, Jacob Javits, and many Fortune 500 companies, this hotel is built on convenience. Rooms start from around $ 300 per night.

New York Palace Hotel

455 Madison Avenue

The name really sums it up for this hotel because a “Palace” is what it really is and it oozes. With marble throughout, grand columns, tall arched windows, and some of the largest rooms in New York, this world-renowned hotel will surround you in luxury and superior service. It includes 5 different dining destinations, including a rooftop restaurant with impeccable views of the Manhattan skyline, a massive gym, a fantastic spa, and more. Prices start at around $ 300 per night.

Four season hotel 57

East 57th Street

New York is known for its high standards and lavish lifestyles, so it’s no wonder that a Four Season, known for its luxury and high standards, is located in the heart of Manhattan. With stunning views and elegant style exuded by marble bathrooms, plush furnishings, private bars, serene spas, and acclaimed restaurants, the Four Seasons is the perfect place to kick your feet up and get away from your busy style. of life. Prices start at around $ 700 per night.

Ritz-Carlton New York

50 Central Park South

Come see for yourself why the Ritz-Carlton New York is an award-winning luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan with 259 lavishly appointed rooms, 47 suites, and The Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge experience for guests seeking a higher level of comfort. luxury and privacy. In addition to superlative service and intimate surroundings, The Ritz-Carlton Club® Lounge serves five delicious culinary offerings throughout the day. Relax with the breathtaking views of Central Park or step outside to enjoy all the adventures New York City has to offer. Prices start at around $ 725 per night.

Trump International Hotel and Tower One

Central park west

If five-star hotels and restaurants are what you want, why go beyond Donald Trump’s world-renowned hotel? It is the only five-star hotel in New York that also has a five-star restaurant. This massive 52-story building is located right next to Central Park with the best views in New York. Amenities include a 55-foot heated pool, babysitting services, custom-stocked minibars, personalized stationery, personal shopping, a fitness center, and an array of fabulous spa treatments. But no evening would be complete without delicious food from two different 5-star restaurants by award-winning chef Jean-Gorges Vongerichten. Prices start at around $ 750 per night.

Waldorf Astoria

301 Park Avenue

One of the first hotels to be known as a “grand hotel”, the Waldorf Astoria has been world renowned for over a century. With its marble floors, oversized marble bathrooms, oversized beds, open fireplaces, gleaming chandeliers, and plush seating, you’ll fall in love the first time you walk in the door. Enjoy 3 wonderful restaurants, bars and lounges along with top-notch amenities and services, including exclusive “Les Clefs D’Or” concierge and twice-a-day housekeeping with nightly service. Prices start at around $ 400 per night.

After seeing our top hotels in New York, you must be yearning for your own New York getaway. If so, I know that if you go with one of these hotel suggestions, you won’t be disappointed. And despite the luxury of New York hotels, there are also several things to do in New York that are sure to impress. We hope to see you soon in New York!

Pets

The 15 most dangerous dogs

What do you think is the most dangerous dog? A pit bull, right? Not bad. Surely then it must be a Rottweiler, a German Shepherd or maybe even a Chow-Chow. Again, no, not in any way and wrong. The correct answer is … a dachshund. Yes, you read it correctly. Dachshunds are the most dangerous type of dog. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently surveyed 6,000 dog owners and found that “one in five dachshunds has bitten or tried to bite strangers, and a similar number have attacked other dogs; one in 12 has bitten their dogs. owners”.

So surely the number 2 dog on the list must be a pit bull, right? Wrong! It seems that Napoleon syndrome is real because dog number 2 is a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas have similar stats to dachshunds when it comes to biting strangers, their owners, or other dogs. Rounding out the top 3 list is the Jack Russell Terrier. So why do we assume that pit bulls, rottweilers, and chow chows are the most dangerous dogs?

The answer is pretty straightforward. It is because most clinical studies on this topic use medical data as the basis for their research. Since large dogs create larger wounds, they are reported more frequently and this causes medical data to be inaccurately diverted to large dogs. Truth be told, all races can be provoked to bite. Whether or not a dog bites is generally a result of how well it has been trained and treated. So the question really is what breeds of dogs are genetically predisposed to aggression? Here’s a list, in no particular order, of the 15 most dangerous dogs.

1. Giant schnauzer – Like German Shepherds, the Giant Schnauzer was trained in Germany to help soldiers. This dangerous dog is the size of a Great Dane with the intelligence of a Schnauzer. These qualities, in addition to his natural tendency to be fiercely loyal, make this dog a dog to watch out for. Anxiety around strangers in the Giant Schnauzer is more common than in other dogs.

two. Akita Inu – The Akita Inu is a strong, powerful and alert dog. It has a dignified and courageous personality and has a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs.

3. Chow chow – According to the American Kennel Club, “… the Chow is reserved and demanding of strangers. Their feline personalities make them independent, stubborn and less eager to please than other breeds. They require early socialization and training, and some form of exercise daily.

Four. Bullmastiff – The Havanese is fearless and confident. They were originally bred to protect the natural hunting grounds from poachers, as such they are the natural guardians of the home, but they don’t bark much, as silence was a virtue when it came to caring for the preserves. Havanese are independent thinkers and may not respond to traditional obedience training.

5. Butterfly – The Papillion, is very small and very loyal to his family. They can tire out strangers, and while they are generally good-tempered, they should be watched carefully when not family members or other dogs are visiting your home.

6. Old english shepherd – Old English Sheepdogs (OES) are athletic and energetic and require a lot of exercise. The OES was bred to herd sheep. It has retained its natural tendency to herd whether there are sheep or not, and consequently it may try to herd people or other objects. It is generally a sweet and affectionate animal, but it can become aggressive if it feels that someone or something is interfering with its herding work.

7. Dachshund – The Dachshund, which means “badger dog” in German, was bred to dig holes, hunt and fight to the death with badgers. Dachshunds tend to be territorial and for integration into family life to be as smooth and happy as possible, it requires constant affirmation from their owners throughout their lives.

8. Llasa Apso – The Llasos were bred for hundreds of years as indoor watchdogs. Naturally, they are wary of strangers. In addition, the dog has a distant and independent personality: it requires constant handling throughout its life and requires daily walks or exercise. The Llasos are best for adult-only families.

9. Miniature pinscher – Miniature Pinschers are fearless, lively and independent creatures. They are lively and require constant reminders as to who the true alpha dog in the family is.

10. Jack Russell Terrier (officially known as Parson Russell Terriers) – These little dogs are bright and very energetic. They require a lot of exercise and are best in families with older children, as they do not tolerate rough treatment from young children.

eleven. Pitbull – What is commonly known as a pit bull is officially known in England as the Staffordshire Bull-Terrier and in the United States it is known as the American Staffordshire-Terrier. Whatever you call him, this dog is actually very people-oriented and is happiest when made part of the family and given a job to do. He is generally very friendly, but he is loyal to the extreme to his family and will protect them from any threat.

12. Rottweiler – Rottweilers love their people and protect their territory. They do not welcome strangers until they are properly introduced. Obedience training and socialization are a must.

13. German shepherd – The German Shepherd is a renowned guard and military dog. He is also a loving family companion. The breed is straightforward and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. He is a great family dog ​​and is only on the most dangerous list because he can be trained to be aggressive (like most dogs).

14. Dalmatian – The Dalmatian is the only horse “trainer” dog in the world and has retained a natural affinity for horses. Dalmatians are very energetic and require long daily walks or romps in a fenced yard. Without regular exercise, it can become destructive.

fifteen. Chihuahua – Quick movements and terrier-like behavior, Chihuahuas are very intelligent and should not be underestimated even if they are small in size. They do not tolerate the rough handling that comes with young children, so they are best for families with older children or without children.

Remember, all dogs can be provoked and all dogs, with proper training, can be well-mannered animals. Regardless of which breed you decide to add to your family, it is important to socialize your pet with other animals and people as soon as possible. Plus, consistent routines, affirmation, and discipline will make your new dog a happy member of the family.

Real Estate

Cell Phone Number Lists – Make Sure Your Teens Are Talking to Who They Say They Are

It can be frustrating to get a call from a cell phone number you don’t recognize, and you probably want to know who the caller is. Failure to leave a message can add to your frustration and could mean that you have missed an important call with valuable information.

It is also possible that your phone number is now in the hands of people of a questionable nature. I know it would ease my heart if I could find out who that caller really was so I don’t have to worry about my privacy or even my family.

If you use a free reverse cell phone directory service, you will generally be in for a huge disappointment. Your results may not help you answer any questions. These free sites may offer only minimal information, or the directories may not be good.

Your chances of success are better if you use a search site that requires a paid subscription. Most paid reverse lookup sites have package deals that allow you to perform as many cell phone number searches as you want. You will be able to know exactly who it was every time you receive a call from an unknown number.

The caller ID service on your phone is very beneficial. To make this handy tool even more useful, directly connect your Caller ID to your favorite reverse cell phone directory. The instant someone calls you, you can see exactly who they are. This could save you the hassle of talking to telemarketers.

Sports

Broken Feng Shui items need to be replaced

Feng shui cures or enhancers are used to suppress bad chi or to encourage good chi to visit you. At Flying Star School, items must be moved annually and monthly to make the necessary changes properly. Annual troubles should always be addressed first, and then ‘little tai chi’ is used to tend to monthly afflictions.

One thing that is rarely addressed with articles is that of broken or chipped objects. First of all, it is considered bad chi to preserve damaged items. The standard example concerns clothing – if your clothing has holes in it and the zippers no longer work, you would get rid of them. The same principle applies to damaged feng shui elements. The most important are protective cures.

For things like the 5-element pagoda, the ringing bell, crystals, and statues of celestial deities, a splinter or broken limb is believed to be an indication that that object has protected it. In essence, it has “hit him” and saved him from some disaster. While those who don’t understand this may scoff, those of us who have suffered immensely from being hit with the bad chi of the unfortunate stars, we make sure that we are adequately protected. As stated in previous articles on this topic, “I didn’t even know things like Flying Stars existed, but they got me anyway.”

Some Flying Star Feng Shui practitioners have had some really strange things happen to them with those protective cures (see some of my previous articles on the subject for my stories). People who can feel subtle energies can immediately notice when the energy has changed for the better. Something as simple as hanging a wind chime on the axis of a bad star can illuminate the area and make it comfortable. Also, to replace a broken or repaired cure; the energy changes immediately and simply feel best.

Even if one does not practice feng shui yet, certain items of protective jewelry could have taken a hit to the wearer. This is especially noticeable with new age glassware. Once you have worn a protective glass carving and it has exploded to dust while wearing it, you will understand. Since items that have belonged to other people can still carry your energy, it is also a good idea to clean everything before using them. Salt can be rubbed onto the item or it can be ‘stained’ with steaming sage leaves, or it can be placed in a salt bowl in sunlight for several days, or it can be placed in a candle flame or whatever another traditional means of cleaning.

For feng shui practitioners, all cures and enhancers are cleaned every year before moving in their new directions. Some should be replaced; certainly the damaged ones. Broken items should be treated with respect, not just thrown away. They can be buried, burned or thrown into the sea after the owner appreciates being protected from some cowardly event. In any case, old or new, the new year requires new energy, so it is nice to be able to have enough cures to let some rest in the storage area while the new ones take over next year.

© 2010 Dr. Valerie Olmsted All rights reserved

Tours Travel

How to determine if your china is dishwasher safe

The fine china dishes are beautiful. They are richly designed, easy to play, and add atmosphere and sophistication to every meal, both formal and informal. What prevents people from using porcelain dishes more often is the hassle of cleaning them afterward. Simply put, it is a huge neck pain. Once upon a time, bone china dishes could only be washed by hand, which takes time and leads to breakage, but people agreed with that. But in our busy and busy lifestyle, who has time to spend an hour doing the dishes every night? And so the porcelain remains in the cabinet, brought out only for important events where nothing less will do.

The good news is that porcelain manufacturers have begun to recognize how much the after-use cleaning issue has affected their business and have begun to manufacture many more dishwasher-safe porcelain patterns. Therefore, it is highly likely that your pattern can be used safely in the dishwasher. . The question is how to determine if your pattern is safe or not.

There are three simple things you should do first to help you determine that your porcelain is dishwasher safe:

  • Check the stamp on the back (or the original box and papers).
  • Check the company’s website or give them a call.
  • Check replacement company sites for discontinued patterns.

Check the backstamp:

Turn over a piece of your china set, preferably the dinner plate (which usually contains the most information). Many patterns, especially the newer ones, will say “Dishwasher Safe”. Voila, now you know! If not, don’t be discouraged, it may still be dishwasher safe. Proceed to the next step.

Contact the manufacturer.

Start by visiting the company’s website. If the pattern is still active, there will be a lot of information about ii, including the status of the dishwasher. If it is a discontinued pattern, there is still a chance that some information is available.

If your Internet search gets you nowhere, call the company. Most of the time, they will be able to help you with active patterns. However, discontinued porcelain will be more difficult. For help with these patterns, see the next step.

Check the replacement sites:

Some plate replacement sites have information on all of the antique porcelain patterns they carry, even if they are dishwasher safe or not. The information there is often well researched and can be trusted.

What to do next:

If all of the above fail, we enter the guessing game. There are certain rules of thumb about what will and will not go through the dishwasher, but remember they are not always applicable, so be careful here.

Patterns with metallic ornaments, gold or platinum, tend to be the worst in the dishwasher. They can be completely removed after a few cycles. Highly decorated patterns should also be avoided in the dishwasher, as the design can be easily erased. The general rule of thumb is that the less design the pattern is, the more likely it is to come out of the dishwasher safely.

It is important to remember that the way you use the dishwasher is essential. Stack them carefully so they don’t chip or break. Use a mild detergent and avoid lemon-scented products, the acid of which will eat up your dishes. Lastly, allow the load to cool down to room temperature before removing it, as it is most vulnerable when hot.

Experts agree that in all circumstances, porcelain will last longer and look better when hand washed, even patterns certified as dishwasher safe by the manufacturer. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying your beautiful porcelain on a regular basis. If using the dishwasher means using your fine china more often, go for it. Your china may not last that long, but the memories you create at family meals will last forever.

Arts Entertainments

The seduction of Brad Pitt

When Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston filed for divorce after four years of marriage, few were surprised that the on-set relationship between Angelina Jolie and Pitt during the making of their hit movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith was to blame. After all, this was Hollywood and stars are dumped all the time by other stars.

Question after question arose. What did Angelina do? What didn’t Jennifer do? How could Brad be so insensitive? How could Jennifer miss such a trap? Did Jennifer not provide enough of a challenge for the sexiest man in the world? Was it all because Brad Pitt didn’t want to have children? Was it all because Jennifer Aniston didn’t want children? Were any of them sterile?

It turns out that Angelina Jolie is now telling the media that she seduced Pitt on purpose. She loved getting naked on set as it was her chance to infuriate Pitt. She has even told reporters that she can’t wait to tell her kids how Mommy and Daddy met and fell in love on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Herrero. Should we all be so lucky?

I had all these same questions when I was doing my Christmas shopping and saw an old customer of mine walking sadly through Macys doing his Christmas shopping. He was with his second wife, his children, and his nanny. He had left his first wife for his young assistant about ten years ago. His assistant, now a wife, had been fired because she was trying to seduce him while at work. That obviously did not influence the outcome, as he eventually left his wife and children to marry the former assistant. He was later asked to leave or return to his wife when his boss found out what had happened. He chose his own path.

The thing was, my old client looked miserable. He looked like a pack horse for everything his wife was buying with her money. He looked defeated, a broken man. And then the same thing happens to me with Brad Pitt traveling through some part of Africa or New Orleans abandoned by God that I see the same thing.

I feel bad for both of them. Whether they knew it or not, they held the world by the hand. It was all there for them with a woman who loved them unconditionally if only they had seen it.

Can the beauty of a woman blind a man? In shorts, yes. If a guy like Brad Pitt who has been with the most beautiful and amazing women in the world can succumb, then yes, any man, even your man, could give in to carnal pleasure.

For me the message is clear; men and women should strive to keep the lives of their loves fresh and vibrant. Out with the old and in with the new. Go to new restaurants. See a play. Go to the opera. Whatever you do, do something, anything before your attentions go elsewhere.