Livingston Reporting - page 274

Choosing Ceramic Cutlery For Your Kitchen Knives

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Top notch ceramic cutlery has become the latest obsession in kitchen accessories.  If you watch cooking shows on television you will see many professional chefs using ceramic knives.  In the culinary field ceramic knives are an essential accessory for all kitchens even novice cooks.  As with all tools there is a special purpose for each knife.  There are knives for cutting meat, dicing vegetables and slicing fruit.  Ceramic cutlery is well known for retaining a sharp edge and is made from zirconium oxide.  There are several advantages to purchasing ceramic knives as well as some disadvantages.  Continue reading for more information to help you make an educated decision before investing in knives for your kitchen.

Ceramic Knives: The Advantages Of Ceramic Kitchen Cutlery

  • In comparison to steel kitchen knives, ceramic is known for retaining a sharp edge for months especially if cared for properly and used sensibly.
  • Another advantage is how user friendly, light weight and safe ceramic knives are in comparison to steel knives.
  • If you are looking for a non-corrosive option in cutlery that is stain proof these knives are the way to go.  For chefs and cooks these two options make ceramic a no-brainer over steel for professionals throughout the industry.
  • Ceramic knives are easy to clean.  Ceramic is easy provides a non-stick surface that is non-reactive making it easy to clean up after a long day of cutting, slicing and dicing.

Ceramic Cutlery: The Disadvantages Of Ceramic Kitchen Knives

  • Zirconium oxide is an expensive material therefore ceramic knives are a pricier option over there steel counterparts.  If you are looking to buy ceramic knives purchasing a block set may be a way to cut the cost.
  • Another disadvantage of ceramic is that it tends to be a bit fragile.  They are not a good choice when it comes to cutting bones off of meat or other hard materials.  Just because ceramic knives are fragile does not mean they aren’t tough enough to do most any job you need them to do in the kitchen.  They will not shatter but again caution should be shown when cutting tough bone.
  • Ceramic blades are breakable.  This is another inconvenience of ceramic knives.  Be careful when applying pressure to knife, handle them with care and use them for cutting softer foods.
  • It is also important to note that ceramic, once dull, is not easily sharpened.  In order to sharpen ceramic knives you must send it in to the manufacturer as sharpening ceramic at home is difficult and not advisable.

When looking for cutlery, ceramic is a highly efficient, useable material for kitchen knives and accessories.  Look online for deals that can make shopping for your kitchen knives affordable.

Knife Mule

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Choosing The Right Blade For Your Next Knife Purchase

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There are several types of knife blades to choose from with advantages and disadvantages to both.  There are blades for every purpose including skinning animals, opening boxes, cutting tree limbs and many more.  Below we will look at the varieties of knife blade shapes and the different uses for each to determine which blade the best is for your needs.

Clip Point

The clip point blade is incredibly popular on knives that are sold today including pocket knives, fixed blade knives and bowie knives.  The knife has one sharp side and one dull side that run from the handle of the knife down to the point.  The point can either be straight or curved and is referred to as the clip.  The advantage of a clip point blade is that the point is controllable and extremely sharp.  They are good for piercing as well as for slicing.  The one disadvantage of the clip point blade is that the pointy blade is narrow and tends to be weaker than on other types of knife blades.

Drop Point

Another all purpose knife that is popular for all types of knives including hunting knives.  The drop point is more popular for hunting because the point is easily controlled and can be maneuvered around internal organs to avoid nicking them.  The back of the knife is similar to the clip point in that the unsharpened edge runs the length of the knife with a slow curve.  The disadvantage of the drop point blade is that it is not as sharp as the clip point therefore a less suitable option for piercing.  The advantage however is that it is strong, controllable and offers a large amount of blade for slicing.

Tanto Point

A tanto point blade is comprised of a high point with a flat grind that leads into a strong point.  The front edge meets the back unsharpened edge on an angle instead of a curve.  There is no belly area on a tanto point blade which is a disadvantage but instead has a stronger tip.  It is not necessarily the best option in knife blades for a general utility knife but if looking for a strong point that is really good for piercing hard materials the tanto blade is a perfect option.

Sheepsfoot Blade

A sheepfoot blade is a great option for cutting and slicing when a point is not needed.  The sheepfoot blade shape is typical for santoku chef’s knives.  The blade has a sharp front edge with a dull spine that curves to meet the straight edge creating a false point.  For a controllable, clean slicing knife without a point the sheepsfoot is a great option.  The fact that there is no point can be seen as a disadvantage.

Trailing Point

If you are looking for a lightweight knife that is good for use skinning and filleting the trailing point blade is the best option.  The back edge of the knife curves upward and the blade has a large curved cutting area that works for slicing and skinning.  The high point is out of the way which is an advantage of the blade is but the point on the trailing point is weaker than other blade options.

There are several other different blade types to choose from depending on what you are looking for.  If none of the blades above fit the need consider looking into the spear point blade, gut hook blade or other options in knife blades.

Knife Mule

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Moving Forward After Your Divorce

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is pretty obvious; divorce is not great for your marriage.  With the obvious being stated it is important to know that women handle divorce harder than men. Don’t get me wrong divorce is hard for both men and women however truth be told men move on faster.  It is tough, but not impossible to overcome divorce.  Believe it or not it is actually possible to discover happiness after divorce.  If you are a women who is newly divorced it is time to lose the past grief and unhappiness and move towards your future of excitement and happiness.

It is important to understand that you need to move on.  I know this can be a bit intimidating but it is essential that you start viewing yourself as an independent, strong women.  Moving on does not mean committing to the next relationship that comes around.  It means that you should start viewing yourself as a strong independent woman.  It also signals that you alone are in control of your happiness.  Don’t jump into a relationship.  Give yourself the opportunity to move through your divorce and into the happiness you desire.

Think about exactly what you want after your divorce and bring that to your future.  Consider your thoughts on not only child custody, alimony and a possible change in location.  Consider everything that affects your life after the divorce before you consider updating your relationship status.

Working with your ex is probably the last thing you are considering as you are processing your divorce.  However, if you want to be happy this is one way to create it for yourself.  Maintain a relationship that allows you to be cordial with your ex.  To remain on terms that are at least social allows you to maintain a relationship with your ex that creates an environment that is good for your children and their future.  Move towards the future, stop fighting about the past and bringing up past divorce issues.

When it comes to being happy after divorce the most important focus should always be on your children.  When it comes to the children you should always focus on keeping their life completely normal.  Creating this environment allows you to take your mind off the painful past and to move forward towards a future that creates a life you desire for your children

When it comes to going through a divorce focusing on your children will allow you to see a happiness you forgot was possible.   If it takes therapy or seeking advice from a divorce expert move forward with that plan.  Do whatever is takes to create a happiness that you experience with your children.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce throughout Trenton and the surrounding Michigan areas. Find us at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Longton Law

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Keeping A Positive Outlook During Divorce

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Men going through the divorce process, especially when children are involved, are clearly at a disadvantage. Women have been favored and continue to be throughout divorce proceedings. Society likes to view women as victims while acting like all men are scoundrels. The problem with this is that in order for a marriage to fail both parties are accountable. No one is without fault in a divorce.

Lots of men are stigmatized by the image of men in our culture being the bread winners for so long. Even though this image is no longer representative of the society we live in today it is still an issue that is facing men in divorce. Financially men are seen as the provider leaving them with the financial burden in divorce. This is a troubling matter especially with the role reversal that is common in today’s homes. More men are staying home while their wives return to work. An even more common element in homes today is the presence of two working parents. Divorce is never clear cut.

If you are a man going through a divorce it is important that you keep your head up and don’t allow yourself to get depressed. Feeling low about yourself only leads you into a situation where you are more easily taken advantage of. Keeping a positive outlook on life and a positive frame of mind allows you to focus on a better outcome to your divorce. Keep disagreements with your spouse to a minimum. This will help eliminate any more bad blood while allowing you to focus on your new optimistic approach to your life after divorce.

While you are moving through your divorce keep an eye on all assets and liabilities. Keep track of money that is being spent on credit cards and withdrawn from joint bank accounts. Your wives divorce attorney will tell her to do the same. This is not meant to be sneaky but to prevent you from being responsible for joint debt that occurs while you are in the process of divorcing. At the end of the divorce you want to remain financially stable. This will not be possible if joint accounts are wiped out and credit card debt is racked up during the dissolution of your marriage.

If you have been the stay at home care provider it is important that you determine what means you have to get back into the work force. The same should be true for your spouse as well if she has taken on the role as in home care provider to your family. Both parties should be financially responsible for bringing in a source of income after the divorce. Don’t rely on financial support from your significant other especially if you are a man. Getting spousal support is fairly uncommon for men in today’s society.

Getting a divorce is not easy. When going through a divorce seek support from friends as well as from an attorney that specializes in men’s divorce. Keep the future in your sites, keep a positive outlook, maintain your finances and work on moving forward.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce. For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Longton Law

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Choosing Between Permanent and Temporary Wheelchair Ramps

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There comes a time in all of our lives where we have to make tough decisions about the care of a relative.  Often times this window of care is relatively short but difficult.  There are a million decisions to consider when bringing a loved one into your home to be cared for.  One of the choices that may need to be consider has to do with access the home.  When a wheelchair is needed to ease movement not only throughout the house but granting access into and out of the house handicap ramps are considered.

When it comes to installing a wheelchair ramp this alone brings a myriad of decisions to consider; the first of many is whether you want to install a temporary or permanent ramp.  More often than not a temporary handicap ramp will suffice.  The need for a handicap ramp in most of our homes is just that, temporary. Most situations that require the use of a wheelchair are temporary, a child breaks a leg, or a parent comes to live out their final time.  The ramp is only needed to provide ease of movement for a short period of time and therefore doesn’t require become a permanent fixture.

There are situations in which it is necessary to install a permanent handicap ramp to a home.  This is the case when there is a long term diagnosis that will make moving in and out of the house more difficult as time progresses.  When certain illnesses or accidents occur it can leave us limited in mobility.  Permanent handicap ramps allow us to easily maneuver in and out of our home while keeping the aesthetics of the home intact.  Permanent wheelchair ramps are created to blend in to the home’s exterior creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior of the home.

It is up to individual homeowners, dependent on their unique situation whether to install a permanent or temporary ramp.  Once this is decided upon there are several other considerations that need to be solidified before construction can be started.  One decision that needs to be made is what material to build the ramp from.  Ramps are most commonly aluminum or wooden.  Another consideration is the length of the ramp.  Think about the slope of your entrance when considering the length of a ramp.  Although shorter ramps are easier to move from one spot to another, in the case of multiple entry and exit points, they also increase the steepness of the ramp.  Longer ramps are easier to manipulate for users.  The drawback occur if the ramp needs to be moved and the expense.  Longer ramps are naturally more expensive than shorter ones.  More material is needed to make them and the installation process takes more time.

No matter what you decide; temporary or permanent, long or short, aluminum or wood the same end result is desired. Easing the mobility of entry and exit to the home for loved ones who are having an increasingly difficult time maneuvering stairways.  Handicap ramps are great not only for wheelchair users but for people needing canes and walkers to assist in walking as well as those that suffer from knee, back or hip issues.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Automatic Gate Considerations

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When it comes to the variety of entry systems available for your home an electronic driveway gate is the safest, most secure option.  Driveway gates, especially when used in conjunction with fencing leave your home sheltered; not only does it keep people out but it helps to keep them in as well.  This is particularly useful when living with small children and pets.  Using an entry gate and fencing helps by not granting access to your home and loved ones without proper authorization.

There are several things to consider when looking to purchase and install a gate for your driveway.  One of the first things to think about is the size of the driveway and therefore the size of the gate needed.  The size of your driveway gate must not only allow for entry of your personal vehicles but must also take into consideration the size of delivery trucks and emergency vehicles.  Adding space to accommodate larger vehicles will also give extra space to help eliminate accidents and mishaps associated with the entry gate.

Consider also if you are looking to use the gate via manual entry or automatic entry.  Automatic gates are more cost effective ever with the upgrades in technology.  The ability to use solar power to control the gates operating system makes automatic gates less expensive to operate.  This in turn means more homeowners are adding gate operators and electronic entrance systems to existing and newly installed entry gates.

Automatic entry gates can be accessed using a variety of controls including wireless keypads, hard wired keypads to transmitters, cellular access, manually operated switches as well as remote entry. Access controls are chosen to best suit the client’s needs.  The most important part is that the entry program is user friendly while providing security and meeting the end users requirements.

Next is the choice of the gates operating control system, otherwise known as the gates operating design.  There are three choices; swinging gates, sliding gates and barrier gates.  All three options are designed to function a bit differently but all serve have the same basic principal.  When it comes to a gate for your driveway sliding and swinging gates are the most common.  Barrier gates are more often used for commercial purposes. Residential gates that slide or swing are more decorative and created to enhance the curb appeal of the home and become a part of the landscape.

Automatic, aluminum driveway gates are not only affordable and easy to use they are becoming a common way to create a secure barrier to your home.  Check online for local fence and gate professionals to install your new system today.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

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Transitioning Your Lawn Care From Summer To Fall Maintenance

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The care that your lawn needs changes from season to season.  When the bright sun starts to fade into vibrant fall leaves the needs of your landscaping change.  Superior yard care can occur even if you don’t have the time to spend every minute in the yard this article will provide you the exact information you need to maximize the time you do have.

Every job is made easier with the right tools.  This is so true when it comes to gardening.  A mower with a sharp blade is so important.  It is essential that you sharpen the blade to your lawn more at least once a year but more preferable two times.  In addition to a sharper mower blade make sure you buy a hose that is convenient to store, a quality rake, an edger, clippers and gloves.

The best tip anyone can give you is to really take care of your grass.  Lawn care is super important and can be maintained by raking your lawn before and after you mow.  Raking does not have to be difficult simply run a rake through your yard and you will be so pleased with the outcome.  Raking before and after you mow will leave your lawn looking amazing, while keeping problems away.

When it comes to mowing your lawn it is important that you know when to mow and when not to mow.  Never mow when the heat is on.  Mow your lawn during the early morning hours or late after sunset.  The same is true for trimming trees and bushes; never mow or trim in the heat of the day. Mowing in the early morning or late night will prevent shock to the lawn and landscaping.

The next step after the lawn is mowed is to trim the outer portion of the lawn. Don’t take it too close to the ground; match the edges to the length of your grass.  Blending the edging with your lawn’s length will help to blend the landscape and creating a brilliant landscape.

August is the perfect time to take care of all the hedges that have become overgrown with the abundance of rain the spring and summer have created.  Try not to cut too deep, this will leave bare patches.  Cut hedges back, traditional form for hedges is either rounded or squared.  This will help you create a lawn and landscape that is easy to maintain throughout every season.

Creating a landscape and lawn can be rewarding for any homeowner.   Often times it isn’t a matter of money but time that prevents homeowners from creating a perfect landscape.  If this describes you and your home consider hiring a local landscape company.  Local lawn care specialists are aware of what your lawn needs to flourish while you wreak the benefits.

CBA Outdoor Services is a local landscape design firm offering services throughout Livingston and Wayne Counties.  For more information on the services they offer to both commercial and residential clients look online at http://cbaoutdoors.com/.

CBA Outdoor Services

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Tips To Finding A Corporate I.T. Provider

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When looking for a company to provide I.T. services to your company look for a firm that offers all inclusive services.  There are a variety of services that you should be looking for when it comes to a professional I.T. company to design, install and maintain your network.  Not only are you looking for information technology professionals to work within your commercial infrastructure but you need to find a company that works on residential computer repair as well.

A company that is able to cover your needs from networking to personal computer repair is the most desirable. One professional team of experts to maintain your entire system will be cost effective and offer the most efficient use of technology resources available to your company.  Listed below are just a few of the essential requirements you should be looking for when hiring an I.T. firm for your company.

First you will want to find a company that offers complete computer consulting services.  A complete system and security audit should be done upon becoming a client.  Consultants should be able to not only give advice but to install and operate third party software of all kinds, offer suggestions for office upgrades keeping in mind a budget friendly purchasing strategy, and examine internal and external email systems used for communication between offices as well as with clients.

It is crucial that this company not only works with your servers and network issue but also works to maintain personal computers that are used for work purposes as well.  This means that your information technology specialists should not only be able to design and build a server and create a functional network but should also be able to eliminate a virus from your system.  Finding a company that has several trained team members in a variety of specialties is key when working with I.T. professionals. Minor computer repair and security is as crucial to businesses as is any other aspect of the companies I.T. network.

When it comes to the world of I.T. and growing your business finding a firm that also offers services in app programming and website design can be critical.  Companies that service your technology know you inside and out therefor can help to create apps to allow for your employees to work smarter not harder. I.T. companies that employee web developers and programmers can help your business to prosper online as well.  Ticket systems designed in step with your company can allow your firm to remain competitive and task oriented without ever falling behind.

It is critical in today’s high technology driven society that you find a company that can offer you top quality, all-inclusive I.T. solutions.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

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An In Depth Look Into Freight Brokers

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When businesses are looking to ship their products from the production facility to their end user they look towards freight brokers to create a suitable logistics flow.  A freight broker is in charge of finding carriers that will transport goods to end users at the best possible rates, quickly while maintaining a high level of customer service.  Freight brokers handle the logistic needs for a variety of customers looking to take the work out of their companies shipping needs.  By working with a great number of shippers, brokers are able to work out better rates with transport firms.  This is a win, win situation as shippers get discounted rates and transport firms are consistently needed therefore creating a relationship of mutual benefit through the freight broker.

Freight brokers serve as the liaison between shippers and transporters.  They will examine the needs of manufactures and then match them with carriers that meet the need.  In order to be successful the broker must make sure that carriers offer reasonable rates, prompt service and are reliable.  Brokers must constantly track the needs of their manufactures while monitoring the transport companies.  If the needs of the manufacturer are not being met by the transport carrier the broker will evaluate where the problem in the process exists and make necessary arrangements to avoid further issues.  This may mean finding a new transporter to better meet the needs of this particular client.

There are many benefits to using a logistic broker to help facilitate your companies shipping needs.  The first and most obvious is that outsourcing this allows your company to focus on the needs of your business without taking up valuable resources to manage the logistics of your goods.  This is not to say that you can be hands off in the process but a broker will limit the time you need to spend facilitating carriers and making sure that they are doing what is expected.  A relationship with a freight broker is beneficial to both shippers and transporters.  Carriers working with a broker can offer cost effective means to ship goods because they are carrying shipments from more than one source.

Brokers facilitate the interaction between shippers and transporters.  They work to create a perfect logistic system for your company and that of many others without burdening valuable company resources.  Not only does using a freight broker make sense to help cut transportation costs but it also helps to reduce excess inventory as well as create a shorter delivery time.  When the goods are ready to be shipped the broker links to a transporter which in turn leads to higher customer satisfaction for your business.

Jefferson Diversified Group, LLC is a Global Logistics expert offering LTL shipping and more. Check out available rates today at http://www.detroitltl.com.

Detroit LTL

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An In Depth Look At Reconditioned Electrical Equipment

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When it comes to reconditioned breakers there is lots of information available; some in favor of using them and some that gives reconditioned breakers the thumbs down.  The truth about reconditioned breakers is that they are safe and reliable when you know how and when they are to be used.

When it comes to manufacturing facilities most use circuit breakers that have been reconditioned and retrofitted with complete conviction of their quality.  Reconditioning electrical components, including breakers is a way to help keep down unwanted equipment failures and to increase workforce safety.  When replacing parts that are outdated with new electrical equipment from reconditioned parts you are also ensuring the latest upgrades in technology.  Older model breakers do not have all the same features that are added when reconditioning is done.  Thus reconditioned circuit breakers often offer a higher degree of technology that the original breaker did not have.

When looking into purchasing reconditioned parts it is important that you find an electrical equipment company that offers top notch products and knowledgeable customer service staff.  Often times manufacturers offer reconditioned parts directly from them.  This is not always the least expensive way to go not to mention is usually not the highest degree of customer service.  You don’t have to buy directly from the manufacturer to assure high quality in reconditioned electrical components.

What you do have to do is look online, call companies that offer for sale the products you need and develop a standing relationship with them. Equipment failure is not an option and in time of crisis you want one on one customer service and a guarantee that your reconditioned components will be in stock when you need them.

Work with a company that has a history of working with a variety of different top brand name electrical manufactures.  This increases the chance that they will have parts when you need them no matter who manufactures the equipment you use in your facility.  It is also important when looking into a company that offers reconditioned electrical parts such as circuit breakers that they guarantee their products have been tested ad gone through a top quality control process, testing program using ANSI/IEEE standards and that their technicians are all trained and certified under these programs.  Saving money on reconditioned parts is only cost effective when you are confident that your supplier has done everything necessary to supply you with quality, working parts.

Reconditioning is often a misunderstood term.  The IEEE explains reconditioning to be a process of maintaining power switchgear equipment up to operating standards recommended manufacturer’s, using only originally designed parts.  This includes advances to the product that have been made since the original purchase of the breaker.  Reconditioning basically takes an outdated breaker and brings it up to date using additional technology that has come along since the products original production.

Hopefully this post brings clarity to your understanding of reconditioned electrical breakers.  Realize the part is not nearly being recycled when reconditioned but upgraded and updated to the latest advances in the products technology.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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