L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in New York

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon of the Four Seasons Hotel promises a dramatic and intimate dining experience.  Guests have the pleasure of watching the chefs in action as they prepare their culinary specialties in the open kitchen.  The best seats in the house are at the bar overlooking the chefs hard at work.  While Robuchon also has restaurants in Paris, Las Vegas, and Tokyo, his New York venue offers several exclusive menu selections.  The cuisine might best be described as French with Asian overtones.  One of its most popular choices is the quail stuffed with foie gras.  Guests also enjoy the hotel and restaurant architecture designed by I.M. Pei.

The Carlisle Restaurant

The Carlisle Restaurant of the historic Carlisle Hotel is a sumptuous setting for enjoying Gourmet fare made with the finest American ingredients.  Much of the menu is inspired by French cuisine, but selections change according to the seasons.    The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Some of its popular dinner selections include milk-fed medallions of veal with sautéed chanterelles and the prime fillet mignon with spring vegetables.  After a pleasant meal, guests may also want to saunter over to the famed Bemelmans Bar of the Carlisle to enjoy a cocktail in its artistic setting.

Astor Court

Astor Court of the St. Regis Hotel is a sophisticated bistro known for its elegance.  Tables are strewn with linen, Limoges china, and Waterford crystal.  The food is a rich sampling of both international and American cuisine.  The restaurant is renowned for its Sunday brunch, but it serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea daily.  The restaurant’s buffalo steak tartare with quail eggs is among its most popular menu selections.  For a decadent dining experience, Astor Court will not disappoint.

Le Caprice

For contemporary European cuisine, Le Caprice of the Pierre Hotel serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.  The chic setting offers the perfect ambience for enjoying such favorite menu items as roasted pork loin, smoked Scottish salmon, or shellfish risotto.  The chocolate soufflé and crème brulee are two of the restaurant’s most popular desserts.  The restaurant is a popular New York gathering spot.

Gilt in New York City

The New York Palace’s Villard Mansion is home to Gilt, a restaurant that pays homage to the Gilded Age of the nineteenth century.  With its cathedral ceiling and richly, evocative design, the restaurant is highly regarded for its New American cuisine.  The chefs push the limits of traditional American fare to create boundary-pushing cuisine abounding with style and taste.  Guests love the tasting menu option that is filled with the restaurant’s popular selections like diver scallop sashimi and North Atlantic halibut.

The Bull and Bear Steakhouse in New York City

The Bull and Bear Steakhouse of the Waldorf-Astoria is a famed New York City restaurant with a well-known wine library.  Chefs perfect Prime Angus steaks and delectable chops.  Seafood is also served at this upscale steakhouse. The classic atmosphere is a popular dining spot and the fare never disappoints.  The attached bar also draws a lively gathering.

The View

Situated atop the Marriott Marquis, The View is the city’s only revolving rooftop restaurant.  Its scenic views continually wow guests as they dine on modern American cuisine.  Lobster tail, rack of lamb, lasagna, and seared duck breast are just some of the menu stars.  The olive oil brownie with peach mousse is a favorite dessert.  While guests marvel at the food, the views of surrounding skyscrapers provide an unforgettable dining experience.

When visiting New York, be sure to experience the city’s best hotel restaurants.  Many of these venues are also historic and have been delighting diners for decades.  Their elegance may be expensive, but their meals typically described as well worth their price.

The Space Needle and Seattle Center

Rising more than 600 feet above Seattle Center, the Space Needle is the city’s best-known landmark, and you can get a 360-degree view of the scenery, even while dining at SkyCity, a rotating restaurant. On the observation deck, you can experience the high-tech Sky Q, which is equipped with high-definition screens and cameras. The Woodland Park Zoo, an award winner, successfully reproduces an elephant habitat from Asia, a tropical rain forest, and an African-style savanna, along with other special exhibits, and you can also visit the nearby Rose Garden while you are there.

The Seattle Art Museum

The Seattle Art Museum has received worldwide recognition for its outstanding collection of African, Asian, and Native American works, along with Modern Art produced by artists in the Pacific Northwest and many impressive visiting exhibits. The Pacific Science Center offers laser shows, IMAX movies and ever-changing exhibits that focus on insects, butterflies, dinosaurs, robots, and whales ù to name just a few subjects that both children and their parents will learn about and enjoy.

Washington Park Arboretum

The 200-acre Washington Park Arboretum features a spectacular Japanese Garden, lush green areas and a vast array of rare plants, trees and flowers, and visitors can journey through the park by following a path that has the fanciful name of Azalea Way. Alki Beach, which is a popular spot, is a Mecca for families, swimmers and sunbathers in the warm weather. Sports lovers can also play volley ball, hike, jog or skate here, and there are several restaurants and cafes nearby.

As a step toward improving the environment, Seattle took an old gas-processing plant that was no longer needed and transformed it into Gas Works Park. This 21st century facility provides excellent views of Lake Union and the city skyline, and it is often the venue for concerts, family picnics, and viewing the annual Fourth of July fireworks display.

At Seattle Center, the Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame is one of the most interesting facilities in the city. The music museum immerses visitors in thousands of artifacts that include sound archives, photographs, musical instruments and costumes that belonged to famous performers. To honor the experts in the field, the science fiction museum provides visitors with an opportunity to participate in its many educational and interactive exhibits.

The Washington State Ferry, the largest system of this type in America, carries about 18 million passengers annually, and riders have an opportunity to view the magnificent scenery of Puget Sound as they travel across the water. Among the city’s top restaurants and located at the top of Pike Place Market, 94 Stewart is a stylish bistro that features natural, organic and free-range cuisine along with an extensive wine list, various fresh cheeses and several options for junior diners.

Enjoy a Free Concert in Los Angeles

On Friday evening, just before sunset, make your way to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the largest art museum in the Western United States, for a sample of the Los Angeles jazz scene. From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. you can catch a performance while sitting near the stage under an awning or on a well-manicured lawn whilst drinking wine and eating cheese.  A full bar, an eclectic crowd, good music, and modern architecture are just a few of the reasons this should be on your weekend to-do list. Best of all, admission is free and reservations are not needed. So grab your Charles Shaw wine from Trader Joe’s (aka Two-buck Chuck), a blanket, and get ready for a sophisticated yet cheap evening in Los Angeles. For an added bonus, arrive a little early and take a stroll to the backside of LACMA. Once there, you will see the pools of bubbling tar at the La Brea Tar Pits, one of the world’s most renowned fossil excavation sites.  LACMA is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd. at the corner of Fairfax.

Take a Hike in Los Angeles

On Saturday afternoon, acquaint yourself with the natural wonders surrounding Los Angeles and roam freely around Will Rogers Historic State Park. Once home to the Hollywood star, the 186-acre ranch overlooks the Pacific Ocean and offers some of the best hiking in Los Angeles. An easy to moderate 3-mile hike takes you to Inspiration Point where panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the sprawling city, and a beautiful stretch of beach can be seen. For the advanced hiker, try the rugged Backbone trail, which winds through the Santa Monica Mountains up to Point Mugu, 67.5 miles away. However, you don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy the grounds of Will Rogers State Park. Impeccably kept, the ranch is still an active equestrian site that has trail riding, horse-riding lessons, and polo matches on summer weekends. Or, you can always sit back and watch the deer graze in the late afternoon, as they frequently do at Will Rogers State Park.  The park is located in the Pacific Palisades just off Sunset Boulevard at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road.

Catch a Flick… At the Cemetery in Los Angeles

If peculiar at heart, use your Saturday evening to view a classic film in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery while lying under and over the stars with 3,500 other movie enthusiasts. The cemetery, a historic site, is the final resting place of hundreds of Hollywood stars such as Johnny Ramone, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, and Jayne Mansfield.  The gates open at 7:30 p.m., giving you time to set up camp, drink your beverage of choice, and dance to the DJ’s spinning tunes. Once the film begins at 8:30 p.m., you may have already forgotten you’re sitting on top of a burial ground, especially if it weren’t for Hitchcock’s tombstone looming in the background. Yes, it seems eerie, but in actuality there is a collective appreciation for film and film stars that fills the air, making for a beautiful experience.

Sundays in Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Where better to spend your Sunday morning than at the Santa Monica Main Street Farmer’s Market? The ocean breeze, music, and laughing children make this farmer’s market more than just about the food. Arrive between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and explore the market’s many stalls of fruit, vegetables, and tasty dishes from the city’s best restaurants. Tap your foot and wiggle your body to the sounds of the live band while the kiddos ride ponies and play in the petting zoo.

The Last Stop in Los Angeles

End the day with a scenic drive up the Pacific Coast Highway and stop off at Duke’s for a bite to eat.  Sit at the Barefoot Bar and nibble on some of California’s best fried calamari while you watch the waves crash against the glass windows. Duke’s is located at the edge of Malibu at 21150 Pacific Coast Hwy.

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It happens to everyone. You meet this great person and take the time to get to know them. Internally you are amazed at how much you seem to have in common. Patiently you wait for them to realize how perfect you are for each other and WHAM, the unthinkable happens. Instead of being asked out on a date, you’re told that you are such a great friend.

How does it happen? Why is it that you have emerging feelings for this person and yet you have been shuffled into the friend zone unknowingly? Overnight any hope about being honest about your feelings disappears and is replaced with the horrible knowledge that you may soon be asked about dating advice to catch someone’s attention.

So what do you do?

First off it’s extremely important to analyze your relationship and feelings. How important is their friendship to you? Are your feelings serious or that of a mild crush? Could these feelings be a result of jealousy because they may suddenly have found someone, while you yourself are alone? Finally, would you be able to remain friends if the feelings you have are not reciprocated?

Secondly you need to ask yourself why they may never have considered you in that light. When you first met were you both open and honest about what you were looking for in a significant other? Have you ever talked about past relationships and experiences? Have you ever shrugged off or understated your feelings for them, making them believe all you felt for them was platonic?

What can you do?

It is very possible that you have been sending out subconscious signals that oppose your feelings. Sitting with your arms crossed can show a person that you are closed off and not willing to open up emotionally. Instead of slouching into the chair, try to sit with your shoulders back and arms facing up, in an open position. When sitting together, instead of sitting far apart, sit close enough that your legs have the potential to touch. Make eye contact when talking, and be sure to smile and talk about topics you both enjoy. Without making it awkward, use light touch to make your presence known. If you are walking outside, you can lightly place your hand on their back to guide them.

Unfortunately life isn’t a fairy tale and for some people there is no happy ending with the friend. No matter how hard you try the other person may never be able to get to that point in the relationship. In some cases because you have been friends for such a long time, the other person has trained themselves to not feel that way. They may feel panicked at the thought of change or what could happen if the relationship didn’t work out. If these cases, hopefully by being honest you can both continue to be friends.

If you succeed in escaping the friend zone and start to explore a relationship, be honest about what you consider important. Underline the fact that their friendship is extremely important to you and that dating will not ruin it. Being open about any doubts or fears can increase the intimacy and strengthen the relationship against future problems.

Finally, congratulate yourself on breaking out of the box labelled ‘friends only,’ no matter the outcome you were brave enough to try and fight for what you want.

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Every player of World of Warcraft needs gold. Although gold cannot usually help you to get the very best equipment available in the game, you can use it to purchase lower-end gear, materials, novelty items and item enhancements. The latest expansion pack, Cataclysm, has made it easier than ever to get gold, though things are also more expensive.

1 – Daily Quests in World of Warcraft

Daily quests should never be neglected. Patch 4.2 introduced a whole new selection of daily quests which are available to level 85 players who have completed the main quest chains in the level 80-82 zone, Mount Hyjal. There’s also a whole set of daily quests available in the PvP zone, Tol Barad, from level 85. There are an additional 6 daily quests available when your faction controls Tol’Barad. Other daily quests include those for the faction of Therazane in Deepholm as well as those for the Wildhammer Clan in Twilight Highlands. Finally, there are daily cooking and fishing quests in your faction’s capital cities.

Remember that you can only do 25 daily quests per day, but doing so will bring in around 500 gold in quest rewards and trash item drops which you can sell to a vendor. For the best amount of gold, stick to the Tol Barad and new Hyjal dailies. These also offer the best rewards once you’ve been doing them for a while.

2 – Gathering Professions in World of Warcraft

Gathering professions include Mining, Herbalism and Skinning. Some of the crafting professions also have a gathering component such as Milling for Inscription or Prospecting for Jewelcrafting. While it might be boring to go out gathering materials for hours on end, it can also be an effective way to get gold. For best results, you should analyze the auction house before setting off on your hunt for materials. If you are only gathering materials to earn gold, then you should gather the most valuable ones. These are usually those from the previous expansion packs, since there is not so much competition on the auction house for older materials. Players still need these to level up their crafting professions.

3 – Crafting Professions in World of Warcraft

Not all of the crafting professions are very good for making gold. Generally considered to be the best gold-making crafting professions are Jewelcrafting, Inscription and Enchanting. These professions are used to make gems, glyphs and enchants respectively. Every high-level player needs all three of these things in considerable abundance, so there will always be a high demand for the goods that they create. Remember, however, that there will also be a lot of competition. Other crafting professions sometimes include some profitable recipes such as the leg enchants made by Leatherworking and Tailoring. Before you set out making gold with a crafting profession, you should be aware that most of them are very expensive to level all the way to 525. Your character will also need to be at least level 75.

Food addiction is a problem that is gaining more recognition. Scientists are beginning to think that food addiction may be a contributing factor behind the obesity crisis. When you eat a diet high in some processed foods, you are consuming large amounts of salt, sugar, fat and  high-glycemic refined carbohydrates. These foods can trigger changes in the brain that can lead to compulsive overeating.

You probably don’t think eating certain foods can be habit- forming.  Studies have shown that when you consume a lot of an ingredient such as sugar, your body will start to crave it (Avena, 2008) .Over time, you will find that you will need to eat more and even binge-eat to satisfy your craving. This food can cause the release of chemicals such as dopamine in the brain, which gives people the rush that drug addicts experience. If you try to stop, you may find yourself suffering from withdrawal symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

You may be more prone to food addiction if you are carrying certain genes. Overeating can also be a way to deal with stress. Lifestyle plays an important role too.  If you have a job and a family, you probably do not have a lot of time to prepare proper meals. Processed foods are quick, easy and require little preparation.

Eating too many processed foods have been linked to obesity, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, high cholesterol and other serious illnesses. There are ways to reduce cravings and compulsive overeating. You will want to replace processed foods with more healthy options. Also eliminating refined sugar and white flour is a good place to start. Add in fresh vegetables, fruits and meat.  Use portion control. Address your emotional issues that you have with food. If you can’t do this alone, get professional help or join a support group.

Food addiction is a complex problem to overcome as you have to eat food to survive.  However, if you are willing to do the emotional work and eliminate processed foods from the diet, your food addiction problem can be managed.

Avena, A; et al.(2008) Evidence for sugar addiction: Behavioral and neurochemical effects of intermittent,excessive sugar intake. Neuroscience and Behavioral Reviews (32), 20-39.

Giorgio Armani (born 11 July, 1934), Italian fashion designer, is no stranger to those who are tuned in to the world of style and fashion. One can say he revolutionized the fashion choices of today’s career women and re-defined the office attire.

Armani’s style has been widely accepted across the world. There is no doubt that this Italian fabric maestro has worked his way through blood and sweat with his undying passion and desire to dress the world with an Italian’s fine eye for world-class craftsmanship. The designer learned the tricks of the trade when he worked for Nino Cerrutti in 1964. He worked as a humble window dresser before he joined the Italian textile giant. It would probably come as a surprise to many that Armani had tried a short stint in medicine during his youth, only to realize fashion was his calling.

During his early years, the highlights of this multi-talented designer’s career included:

1961-1970: Designed for Nina Cerrutti

1970: Opened a freelance design studio

1974: Launched the Armani men’s collection

1975: Launched the Armani women’s collection

Armani’s unstructured jackets are much loved by the high-profile celebrity crowd. Armani went ahead to create a totally unique style of evening attire, a style which was lapped up by the likes of Hollywood A-listers Katie Holmes and Michel Pfeiffer. Who can forget the elegant Armani gown embellished with Swarovski crystals lace that Katie Holmes wore for her larger-than-life wedding to Tom Cruise? Armani wedding gowns are considered a luxury for the rich and fabulous.

Armani’s reach goes beyond clothing and wedding apparel. His eye-wear collection has been ruling the fashion market since 1988. Now in the 21st century, these remain a fashion staple.

The prolific designer’s style with its unmistakable luxurious feel will remain in fashion’s hall of fame for decades to come. He, dare we say it, could arguably be the male Coco Chanel. Now if that compliment is not fashion royalty enough, we don’t know what is.

Cell Phones and Tumors of the Brain: What Does a Study Show?

This study looking at cell phones and tumors of the brain spanned thirteen different countries. Researchers questioned almost 13,000 people, some who had suffered from brain tumors and some who were healthy, regarding their cell phone usage. After analyzing the data, they found that the risk of two types of brain tumors was increased in those who used cell phones for ten years or more.

What Kind of Tumors of the Brain Were Seen?

The risk of one type of tumor of the brain called a glioma was increased by thirty-nine percent in cell phone users, while the other, called an acoustic neuroma was almost four times more common in people who used cell phones on a long term basis. Acoustic neuromas are non-cancerous tumors that develop on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. Not only was the risk of tumors of the brain increased in cell phone users, but cell phone users also had a higher risk of tumors of the parotid gland.

Is There a Definite Association?

This association between cell phones and tumors of the brain may sound ominous, but not all studies show a correlation between the two. Out of thirty-one completed studies, eight show that cell phones increase the risk of tumors of the brain, while twenty-three do not. Because of conflicting data, it’s difficult to say whether cell phones are really a tumor threat or not.

If there is an association between cell phones and brain tumors, experts are concerned that children could be the most vulnerable. For this reason, authorities in some countries are discouraging parents from giving their kids unlimited access to cell phones. Adults who spend a great deal of time talking on cell phones could also be putting their health at risk.

Cell Phones and Tumors: The Bottom Line?

Would it be best to part ways with your cell phone? Probably, but few people are willing to make that sacrifice. If you’re unwilling to give up your cell phone, at least keep calls as short as possible and allow children to use them only in an emergency. If there is an association between cell phones and tumors, take measures to protect you and your family.

Shoes – Pumps

A basic high heel pump is a wonderful staple to have in your shoe selection. All outfits, except for the most casual ones, work well with a pair of pumps. Select a height you are comfortable with to make sure you get lots of use out of the style. Avoid trends like platforms or extra embellishments to keep your shoes timeless.

Shoes – Peep Toe Heels

Show off your gorgeous pedicure with a classic pair of peep toe heels. For more versatility in your shoe collection, go for a peep toe in a kitten heel height. This will give you a strong contrast to the classic pump style.

Shoes – Loafer or Ballet Style Flats

Depending on your preference, you can rock a pair of ballet or loafer flats. Either type will give you a good option for all but the dressiest of outfits. Either select a basic neutral color, or use the more casual shoe to make a bold color statement.

Shoes – Sandals

Summery dresses call for great sandals, so go for a timeless pair. Something in a low-heeled slide or an espadrille style will work well for years. For the most casual of days a pair of strappy comfort sandals is great as well.

Whatever your shoe choice, there is an option available that will not be out of style in the next three months. Invest in the classics and your shoe selection will not ever let you down.

Buy shoes at Zappos.com

When you become a single mother, it can be a scary thing to think about dating and meeting new people, especially if you have just gotten divorced. It is important to remember that it takes time to heal from a break-up and to feel ready for a new relationship. The amount of time it takes varies for each person. There is no shame in focusing on yourself and your children for a while before seeking out a new relationship. Once you are ready, however, the Internet provides you with plenty of sites to meet new people and maybe find Mr. Right.

Your Profile

The first step in online dating is to set up your profile. Each website requires different information that will appear in your profile. Some sites use the profile information you include to help you find a match. Others leave you free to browse profiles and choose your dates at your own discretion. The most important thing to remember when creating your profile is honesty. Think long and hard about what you are looking for and what you want in a mate and a relationship. Be honest about yourself to ensure that you find the best possible matches. If you put it all out there, including the fact that you have children, you are more likely to find men who will accept you.

Single Mothers Dating – Pay or Not?

Many websites offer a free trial so you can try out their service. With a free trial, you are often able to create your profile and browse through existing profiles. Whether you are allowed to contact other users depends on the site. Some sites allow you to make contact during your trial period, while others require you to upgrade your service before you can make contact. In some cases, websites allow women to use the site for free, while requiring men to pay. However, if you are truly serious about using an online dating site, paid subscriptions often offer more advantages and may help you find a better match.

Single Mothers Dating – First Contact

Once you find a man that catches your interest, you must then decide whether you want to contact him. Keep an open mind if you do decide to contact him. Some men are uncomfortable with a woman making the first move, while others may not be interested in your profile. Therefore, it is important to not take it personally if a man does not reply. Just take it as a sign that you are not meant to be together and move on. If the man does respond, proceed cautiously, particularly with children involved. Communicate through the website for a while before giving him your personal contact information and before agreeing to meet him in person.

Single Mothers Dating – Be Watchful

Just because you are honest with your profile does not mean that everyone else will do the same. This is why it is often important to take things slowly before giving out personal information. Communicate through the website and through instant messaging and emails for a while. Ask plenty of questions and watch for inconsistencies. Even if you do not find any inconsistencies, proceed with caution each step of the way. When you first agree to meet, choose a public place with lots of people around. Do not take the children with you and always make sure someone knows exactly where you are going and who you are meeting. Only when you truly feel comfortable should you give him your phone number and address.

Single Mothers Dating – Involving Children

If the two of you are truly meant to be together, he will understand that you need to take things slowly, especially where the children are involved. Don’t let any man force you into involving the children too quickly. In fact, it is best to wait until you are sure that the relationship will at least be long-term before you introduce your new man to your children. Especially young children easily become attached to new people. You want to make sure that he is going to be around so your children don’t lose someone else in their lives. When you do involve the children, move slowly and choose a family-friendly function. If the children are uncomfortable, wait before bringing your man around them again.

Single Mothers Dating – Keep Your Head Up

Just like your earlier relationships before you got married, not all relationships will work out. If things do not work out, don’t lose faith in online dating. Get back out there and try again. Until you know that a relationship is really going somewhere, keep your online profile up. Many sites allow you to disable your profile temporarily while you pursue a relationship. If the relationship does not work out, you can just re-enable your profile and begin again. Don’t let one bad relationship spoil your view of online dating.

www.match.com

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