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Nutrition And Health To Boost Your Fertility

Food & Fitness

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January 12, 2015

Nutrition And Health To Boost Your Fertility

Many of us have friends who only have to look at each other before declaring they are going to have a baby. For some however, it can be quite a difficult task. With our handy tips, you will find everything you need to increase your chances of fertility and ultimately getting your own little bundle of joy.

Eat good quality foods

Eat a balanced diet of healthy vegetables, meats and dairy. Ensure you are taking on board your daily allowances of zinc, protein, iron and vitamin C.

Deficiency of those particular nutrients can lead to longer periods and by proxy shorten fertility opportunities. Dairy is really important too and has been shown to reduce infertility by more than a quarter in studies and keeps the ovaries healthy. Where possible try and stay away from foods with pesticides in them as they can adversely affect a woman and a man’s fertility. Oily fish are another wonder food, they help prevent miscarriage in women and also help produce healthy sperm in men.

Keep an eye on your weight

Our weight is an important thing to keep an eye on whilst trying to conceive. Fat causes a buildup of estrogen which in turn disrupts a woman’s ovulation cycles. Overweight women typically find that their periods are much less regular than a woman who is slimmer. However do not go the other way and be too thin as this can prevent the right hormones developing and too little weight will cause complications when carrying.

Cigarettes and alcohol

No, not the Oasis song! We all hear the inherent dangers of smoking and drinking, but when you are trying to conceive it is even more important to heed the advice. There are so many toxins in cigarettes that the ovaries of a 30 year-old smoker actually resemble those of a 40 year-old and are much less fertile. Fifty percent of men are likely to be impotent if they smoke and female smokers enjoy thirty percent less fertility than their non smoking friends. Alcohol has long been known to affect male fertility but it also has an effect on women causing issues with egg implantation, not to mention the damage it can cause to the embryo.

Relax

By not looking after yourself, you are harming your chances of conceiving. Go for a walk, lower fsh and increase fertility, have a massage and finally try a detox. A detox can help cleanse your body of years of bad chemicals and can put your body back into check, increasing your chances of getting pregnant.

Have more sex

Now this sounds like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how many couples, save up their sex for the time when their partner is ovulating the most. Studies have shown that a couple who has sex once a week has a 15% chance of success, couples who have sex 3-4 times a week boost their chances to 50%.Frequent sex keeps the sperm healthy, and the quality drops off severely after three days. Try having sex every other morning, this seems like a balanced idea and saves making daily or more sex into a chore whilst trying to conceive.

The Best Family Cars You Should Consider This Year

Autos

Howard Johnson

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January 12, 2015

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The Best Family Cars You Should Consider This Year

If you’re looking to purchase a new or used family car over the next few months, you’re going to be spoiled for choice. There are so many good models on the market at the current time that you probably don’t know where to stay. While the decision is down to you, we think you might benefit from reading about a couple of the vehicles that seem to have consistently good reviews. We don’t expect you to go straight out any purchase one of them based on our recommendations alone, but you may wish to engage in some further research. At the end of the day, you just need something reliable that isn’t going to spend most of its life in the garage. Repair costs can be expensive. So, you want something well-built and safe.

Chevrolet Malibu

When it comes to American cars, Chevrolet is always going to be a popular brand. Their latest Malibu models have been in demand for quite some time due to fantastic reviews across the board. While these models can cost in excess of $30,000 when purchased brand new, you can get some great deals on the second-hand market. Whether you’re looking for a used car dealership in St. Louis or any other city, you just need to search online. There will be lots of reputable specialists in your area. All you have to do is read testimonials to ensure the one you select is suitable.

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus has been in production for more than ten years. During that time, hundreds of thousands of models have been sold across the world. Not only is this vehicle cheap to purchase, but it’s also very economical. That means fuel costs are not going to place a huge strain on your finances. The Focus comes with all standard safety features including driver, passenger and rear airbags. So, you can rest assured that everyone riding in your vehicle will be safe and sound. Of course, it is still possible to get a bad deal, and so you should look for articles that contain tips on buying family cars.

Renault Scenic

Renault has been one of the world’s leading car manufacturers for more than fifty years. They have built a strong reputation by designing and producing some of the best models in existence. All vehicles in the Renault fleet are safe and reliable. In fact, many of them have won awards over the years. If you want something simple with excellent performance, you can’t go wrong with theScenic. It is even possible to get good quality automatic versions if you don’t want to worry about changing gear every five minutes. Prices from dealerships start at just over $19,000, but you can get them on the used market for half that amount.

Whichever car you select for your family in 2015, we hope the buying process is as simple as possible. It’s a good idea to stay away from private sellers as they are usually more trouble than they’re worth. Buy from a respectable business, and you should be fine.

Things You Should Know Before Visiting Paris

Travel

Howard Johnson

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January 10, 2015

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Things You Should Know Before Visiting Paris

When visitors book their first trip to Paris, they are filled with expectations of romantic scenes, delectable cuisine and stylish citizens. Off course, these elements are available on tap for those who want it. However, there are many other facets of this city; some that will pleasantly surprise, others that will shock. Here are a few things that will help new visitors prepare for their trip to this wonderfully complex city.

1. It rains (a lot)

You may imagine yourself strolling along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées on a beautiful, sunny day, but there is a good chance you will need to pack your umbrella. The city is known for it’s sudden showers, which can occur at any time of year. During the winter season, the city experiences an average of 15 days of rain each month. In the spring and summer, this dips but only slightly, to around 11-12 rainy days per month. Be prepared. Read up on the typical weather at your time of visit and pack appropriate clothing and footwear.

2. It is a city for walking

If you take the subway (Metro in Paris) everywhere, you will miss out on the everyday magic of Parisian culture and the architectural masterpieces that line every street. Every corner you turn in Paris, you will find another jaw-dropping sight. So, it is important to pack sensible walking shoes. That said, it is impossible to get everywhere in Paris by foot. Try to familiarize yourself with the metro system before you arrive as it will seem like a labyrinth at first sight. Do also note that on many trains you have to press a button before the door will open to let you in or out at your stop.

3. Not everything is expensive

Paris has a reputation for being costly holiday destination. But this is only true to a certain extent. Luxurious hotels and high-end restaurants are, of course, very expensive, but there are many other options that cater to visitors on any budget. The important thing is to plan in advance. If you just turn up at a hotel or stumble upon a restaurant, you may end up paying much more than you intended to. Before your trip, search online, for example using Housetrip.com for accommodation within your budget. There are plenty of restaurants that offer delicious food at an affordable price. It’s all about knowing where to go in advance.

4. Public restrooms are scarce and not always free

If you plan to be out and about all day, you will at some point require a stop at a restroom. But, unfortunately, they are not always easy to find. Whenever you do spot a public restroom keep a note, so you can return to it if required. Department stores and many of the parks in the city have bathrooms. Always carry a few Euros around with you, as you often need to pay to use these facilities.

5. There are a lot of smokers

It seems as if Parisians, young and old, are not concerned about the health concerns associated with smoking. Wherever you go in Paris, you will notice the amazing number of smokers. Sit indoors at cafes, restaurants and bars if you don’t want to be engulfed in smoke.

12 Home Improvements That’ll Boost Your Home’s Selling Price

Home Improvement

Steve Weichel

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January 10, 2015

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12 Home Improvements That’ll Boost Your Home’s Selling Price

If you’re looking to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, there are some lesser-known words that match the importance of the famous real estate phrase “location, location, location.”

Those all-important words? Curb appeal.

As the saying goes, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.” When people drive up and first see your house, you want them to think of it immediately as a home that has been maintained and well cared for.

“It’s you putting your best foot forward,” says Christy Biberich, owner of Christy B. Design in Los Angeles who appears on the HGTV show “Brother Vs. Brother.” “We do judge a book by its cover.”

“Every property is completely different,” says Cannon Christian, president of Renovation Realty in San Diego, a company that helps sellers make improvements designed to get them top dollar. “The little things that get people through the front door matter first.”

Obviously you don’t want to spend money that you won’t get back. Christian advises seeing what improvements house flippers are making in your neighborhood. Comparing the sales prices of, say, homes with older kitchens to homes with kitchens that have been updated is also a good idea. If you see about a $50,000 difference, a $25,000 remodel is likely a smart investment. If homes with original kitchens are fetching close to the same price as those with renovated ones, save your money, since sometimes “it also depends on how hot the market is,” Christian says.

You should also spend time scoping out the competition by viewing listings and photos of similar homes for sale and attending open houses in your neighborhood.

Once prospective buyers are inside your home, you want to make sure the entire house puts its best foot forward. That starts with cleaning and decluttering, two improvements that cost little money and provide a big return.

Next, focus on low-cost “transformative improvements,” Biberich says. “The No. 1 thing you can do is paint.” She advises using neutral tones, but that doesn’t have to mean just white and beige, as brown and cream are also safe choices.

Since every dollar counts, hold off on pet projects and only devote your time and money to renovations that’ll bring you a return. “If you’re looking to sell, do not do the improvements that you’ve always wanted to do,” Christian says.

If, like most sellers, you have a limited budget, here are a dozen home improvements you can make to sell your house for top dollar.

Improve your landscape.

Put down fresh sod, replace tired bushes with new ones and add some color, either with flower beds or potted flowers. “Even just a little bit goes a long way,” Biberich says.

Spruce up your entryway.

Buy a new front door or paint the old one. If your house number and mailbox look tired, buy and install new ones.

Change out light fixtures and plumbing fixtures.

Gold light fixtures are long outdated, and brass is less popular than brushed nickel. Replacing outdated ceiling fixtures and bathroom faucets can give your home a modern touch for a minimal investment.

Clarify any spaces that might confuse buyers.

If you have an odd alcove, add a desk or a dresser – something that will suggest how the space is best used. “Most homes have some funky or dysfunctional things that can be corrected,” Biberich says. Don’t keep would-be buyers guessing.

Do partial renovations.

Rather than gutting an old bathroom, for example, consider getting a new vanity and refacing the existing tub. In the kitchen, keep the old cabinets but replace the countertops and the hardware.

Fuchsia-Rama: Pantone Names Radiant Orchid 2014 Colour Of The Year

Culture & Style

Steve Weichel

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January 8, 2015

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Fuchsia-Rama: Pantone Names Radiant Orchid 2014 Colour Of The Year

Pantone, a global authority on colour, recently picked Radiant Orchid, a purple hue with pink and fuchsia undertones, as the 2014 colour of the year, replacing the 2013 colour, emerald.

In the upcoming year, the purply rose is expected to influence the world of fashion and interior design.Each year a colour is selected by a secret committee that draws on global influences ranging from popular travel destinations to technology.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says next year’s colour is an invitation to innovation. Radiant Orchid “encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society,” she says.

For Stubbs, colour is the starting point in interior design. Every surface is a vehicle for colour.

Stubbs says Radiant Orchid is “a beautiful colour, it’s a clear bright colour. So that means in interior design it has to be used judiciously in small doses.”Stubbs says it’s best to avoid painting walls in Radiant Orchid. “You want the wall colour to just sit back quietly,” she says, explaining that in interiors, the wall colour is what holds the colour scheme together.

But pops of purple do not go amiss elsewhere. “You could paint a chair, or you could have it on one cushion, or better still in a stripe with an orange, and a green and fuchsia… on an outdoor fabric.”Splashes of Radiant Orchid in a home are best complemented with neutral walls. Stubbs says soft blue greys work well with bright colours like purple. Think Dulux’s Dieskau or Covered in Paint’s Translucent.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t pair it with other bright colours.

“I’d put it with turquoise and aqua and mint green and you could add in a dash of orange because it’s the opposite,” Stubbs says.Sonia Simpfendorfer, creative director for Melbourne-based company Nexus Designs, agrees.“These slightly difficult, more challenging colours are always good to use and they’re a great foil for colours that people think are beautiful,” she says.In a nod to the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2014, Simpfendorfer says pairing with Dazzling Blue is a clever way to use Radiant Orchid.

“Use it with colours that are a similar level of intensity and saturation but once again use them in balance rather than making one of them too dominant,” she says.

Simpfendorfer says Radian Orchid can be used as a colour for a side table next to something that’s highly patterned and has a small element of purple in it.

“Or if you imagine a rug where there might be that colour in a small amount and then use it as a solid colour on an entire chair but just one in a space… That would be really powerful,” she says.There’s no doubt that people today are experimenting more with colour in general.

Stubbs says colour is now in fashion in interior design. “We have been subjected to really bland, all white interiors where people were terrified to use any colour for years and that is changing, that is the biggest trend that is changing.”

And the choice of Radiant Orchid marks a positive move for the use of colour in interiors. “I really love the fact that it’s quite controversial and has made people really stop and think about colour,” Simpfendorfer says.

While it’s good to be challenged, Simpfendorfer offers a word of advice for those who aren’t tickled pink (or purple, for that matter) by Pantone’s colour choice.“You have to love colour otherwise it’ll always sit a bit uncomfortably.”

AirAsia QZ8501: Indonesia Plane Search Resumes

News

Howard Johnson

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December 28, 2014

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AirAsia QZ8501: Indonesia Plane Search Resumes

The search is continuing for AirAsia Indonesia flight QZ8501, a day after it went missing with 162 people on board.The head of Indonesia’s search and rescue agency has said that available information indicates that the plane could be at the bottom of the sea.

However, no evidence has so far been found of the plane’s whereabouts.

Officials in Surabaya, from where the plane took off, said search teams were only just reaching the area of the Java Sea where the plane is believed to be.

The Airbus A320-200 disappeared early on Sunday on a routine flight to Singapore.

The pilots had requested a course change due to bad weather but did not send any distress call before the plane disappeared from radar screens.

“Based on the coordinates given to us and evaluation that the estimated crash position is in the sea, the hypothesis is the plane is at the bottom of the sea,” Bambang Soelistyo, the head of Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, told a press conference in Jakarta.

“That’s the preliminary suspicion and it can develop based on the evaluation of the result of our search,” he said.

That search, near Belitung island, was largely suspended as night fell on Sunday.

Although some ships continued the hunt overnight, the main search planes and vessels, from several nations, only resumed at first light on Monday.

Mr Soelistyo said Indonesia was providing 12 ships, three helicopters and five military aircraft.

Indonesian transport ministry official Tatang Kurniadi said: “Our primary task is to find the plane. We are co-operating with every possible department, and relevant countries.

“This includes the department responsible for aircraft design, the aircraft manufacturer from France, and relevant operational teams from AirAsia and Malaysia.”

Malaysia was to deploy a C-130 plane, along with three ships, with Singapore lending a C-130 and Australia also providing help.

AirAsia’s share price fell 7% in morning trading on Monday in Kuala Lumpur.

Storm clouds

Flight QZ8501 had left Surabaya in eastern Java at 05:35 local time on Sunday (22:35 GMT Saturday) and was due to arrive in Singapore at 08:30 (00:30 GMT).

The pilot radioed at 06:24 local time asking permission to climb to 38,000ft (11,000m) to avoid the dense storm clouds.

Indonesian officials said the request could not be immediately approved due to traffic, but the plane disappeared from the radar screens before the pilots gave any further response.

AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes said this was his “worst nightmare”.

Mr Fernandes flew to Surabaya and later said: “We are very devastated by what’s happened, it’s unbelievable.

“Our concern right now is for the relatives and for the next of kin – there is nothing more important to us, for our crew’s family, and for the passengers’ families.”

Oceanographer Simon Boxall told the BBC the plane should not be too difficult to find if it went into the water.

The sea floor is within diver depth, he says, and it would be “likely that they’ll get answers within a few days”.

Difficult year

The AirAsia Indonesia plane in question was delivered in 2008, has flown 13,600 times, completing 23,000 hours, and underwent its last maintenance on 16 November.

The captain, Iriyanto, had more than 20,500 flight hours, almost 7,000 of them with AirAsia, Mr Fernandes said. The co-pilot is French national Remi Emmanuel Plesel.

The AirAsia group has previously had no fatal accidents involving its aircraft, but Indonesian transport minister Ignasius Jonan said the country would be reviewing all its operations “to ensure that all of its activities are better in the future”.

AirAsia has set up an emergency line for family or friends of those who may be on board. The number is +622 129 850 801.

Special centres were set up at both Singapore’s Changi airport and Juanda international airport in Surabaya.

There were 155 passengers on board, the company said in a statement:

137 adults, 17 children and one infant
Most were Indonesian but several were from other countries: one UK national, a Malaysian, a Singaporean and three South Koreans
The Dailyrelased understands that the British national is Chi-Man Choi
Two pilots and five crew were also on board – one French, the others Indonesian

This has been a difficult year for aviation in Asia: Malaysia’s national carrier Malaysia Airlines has suffered two losses – flights MH370 and MH17.

Flight MH370 disappeared on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March with 239 passengers and crew. The wreckage, thought to be in southern Indian Ocean, has still not been located.

MH17 was shot down over Ukraine in July, killing all 298 on board.

What is the AirAsia Group?

Low-cost airline group with main hub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Founded in 2001
AirAsia Group services now comprises eight affiliates, including AirAsia Indonesia
Group employs more than 15,000 staff
Operates fleet of more than 150 Airbus A320 aircraft with 200 more on order
Flies to about 100 destinations in some 15 countries. Carried almost 8 million passengers in 2013
Tony Fernandes has been the group’s CEO since December 2001

Is Now the Time to Invest in Bonds?

Money

Howard Johnson

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December 20, 2014

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Over the course of the past few months, the central bank policies of countries across the world have become polarized. The UK has followed the example set by global powerhouse America, adopting a hardline stance that looks set to see interest rates rise in the second half of 2015. The rest of the Eurozone has imitated Japanese policy, setting themselves on a course to expand their balance sheets in an attempt to stimulate growth.

These discrepancies have caused many commentators, such as Sanlam Private Investments, to question what this means for those looking to invest in bonds…

High Yield Versus Low Yield

The differing central bank policies of major European and international powers has caused many investors to consider what this means for those looking to invest in bonds. Most have turned to higher yielding bonds as a solution, on the assumption that they will provide a robust defense against potentially damaging interest rate movement. Their reasoning is simple; high yield bonds have different characteristics to their government alternatives, and these can make them highly lucrative for those willing to shoulder the associated credit risk.

The way that high yield bonds must be assessed differs from the method adopted when considering equity. The focus shifts to the ability of companies to pay back their debt, and requires a great deal of research and knowledge on the part of those who wish to invest successfully. It is not an easy path, by any means, but for some it can prove to be extremely lucrative.

Where to Start

For those who are unfamiliar with high yield bonds, a good starting point is to identify the sectors that offer the most lucrative credit spreads. Once done, a great deal of research must be conducted to assess where the credit fundamentals of the sector look set to improve. Over the course of the last year, for example, one of the most attractive fields has been the financial industry, with a changing regulatory environment having a significant impact.

It is not only an understanding of the industry that is important, but also knowledge of the specific issuers. The successful approach their investments in an almost forensic manner, seeking out information on the company’s financial performance, bond structure and management. Each piece of this complex jigsaw is vital to identifying lucrative investments.

In such a high stakes field risk is, of course, unavoidable, and must be a burden you’re willing to shoulder. However, it is possible to minimize this, and it is only the investors who achieve this who will ultimately be successful. Risk is necessary, but excessive risk is simply foolhardy; you must be able to identify the companies who pose a risk rather different to the one perceived by the market as a whole.

Could you have the requisite skills to add high-yield bonds to your portfolio?

E-Cigarettes ‘Help Smokers Quit Or Cut Down’

Health

Howard Johnson

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December 18, 2014

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E-Cigarettes ‘Help Smokers Quit Or Cut Down’

E-cigarettes can help smokers stop or reduce their habit, a respected international review has confirmed.The first Cochrane review to examine the products considered two randomised trials with data from 662 current smokers.

The review authors, from the UK and New Zealand, said the results needed to be expanded on by other studies.

Public health doctors said they remained concerned that the devices could reverse progress on smoking.

Trial data

The trial researchers found that about 9% of smokers who used e-cigarettes were able to stop smoking for up to a year, and possibly longer.

That compared with about 4% of smokers who used devices which did not contain nicotine.

And in the two trials – regarded as “gold standard” evidence – 36% of e-cigarette users managed to halve the number of conventional cigarettes they smoked, compared with 28% who used placebo devices.

There was no evidence of serious adverse effects among people using e-cigarettes.

However, the Cochrane review authors cautioned that the results were limited by the small number of trials and the limited sample of participants.

1. On some e-cigarettes, inhalation activates the battery-powered atomiser. Other types are manually switched on.

2. A heating coil inside the atomiser heats liquid nicotine contained in a cartridge.

3. Liquid nicotine becomes vapour and is inhaled. The “smoke” produced is largely water vapour. Many e-cigarettes have an LED light as a cosmetic feature to simulate traditional cigarette glow.

‘Encouraging’ results

One of the review authors, Prof Peter Hajek from Queen Mary University of London, said: “Although our confidence is limited because of the small number of trials, the results are encouraging.

“Both trials used e-cigarettes with low nicotine delivery, and it is likely that more recent products are more effective.

“Several ongoing studies will help to answer the question more fully.”

The review was welcomed by the anti-smoking health charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), which described the results as “timely”.

But the UK’s Faculty of Public Health vice-president, Dr John Middleton, said: “Our position remains that while e-cigarettes may help smokers who want to quit, we don’t yet have enough evidence of the impact they are having on other people.

“It has taken decades of sustained effort to create a society in the UK where smoking is now not seen as the norm.

“Our concern is that e-cigarettes could reverse this and create a new generation of customers for the tobacco industry.”

Google To Close Spanish News Service

Tech

Steve Weichel

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December 17, 2014

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Online search engine Google has said that a new law is forcing it to close its news service in Spain.Google News will close in the country on 16 December before the law, which allows Spanish publications to charge if their content is shown on the site, comes into effect in January.

The online giant has argued against the ruling saying it is unsustainable as it makes no money from the service and they don’t put any advertising on the site.

In a blog post, the head of Google News, Richard Gingras said: “It’s with real sadness that on 16 December (before the new law comes into effect in January) we’ll remove Spanish publishers from Google News, and close Google News in Spain.”

He added: “Publishers can choose whether or not they want their articles to appear in Google News — and the vast majority choose to be included for very good reason.

“Google News creates real value for these publications by driving people to their websites, which in turn helps generate advertising revenues.”

The Google News service is available in over 70 international editions in 35 languages and accounts for over 80% of the European search market.

In May, a European court ruling forced Google to delete some results from its search engine at the request of its users if the information was inadequate or no longer relevant.

The “right to be forgotten” has led to thousands of requests a month to remove results showing information including criminal records, embarrassing photos, instances of online bullying and negative press stories.

Kitchen Nightmares: Denver Pizzeria Revamped By Chef Gordon Ramsay Struggling Until Episode Airs

Culture & Style

Steve Weichel

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December 16, 2014

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Kitchen Nightmares: Denver Pizzeria Revamped By Chef Gordon Ramsay Struggling Until Episode Airs

When I heard a Denver Italian restaurant had been revamped by Chef Gordon Ramsay on Kitchen Nightmares I jumped at the chance to try a recipe by the world-renowned chef.But when I walked in to Pantaleone’s, it was empty..

The owner, Pete Fafalios, told me he is praying that publicity from the show will save him from having to shut down the pizzeria he opened in 1985.

When I come back a week later, Pete greets me by name, leads me to a table and pulls out my chair.

“Most of the old customers, I know their first name,” Pete says with a thick Greek accent. His Old World charm is irresistible.

Before I can start the interview, we are interrupted by a man looking for work.

“Right now, I’m not hiring. In a month or so, I don’t know,” Pete says, shrugging.

His concern is evident. Already struggling financially before the restaurant re-launch, Pete says he lost some of his existing customers after Chef Ramsay cut unprofitable items from the menu.

“I used to give the food away,” Pete explains.

At the same time, few people know about the new options created by Chef Ramsay specifically for Pantaleone’s.

The episode is scheduled to air on Fox in February.

“It can’t happen fast enough,” Pete tells me, with his palms pressed together in prayer.

The 62-year-old estimates he works 70-80 hours a week, making everything fresh from scratch — including the sauce, the sausage and his legendary pizza dough.

“I make my own dough. That’s what kept me going 29 years,” Pete says proudly. A bit begrudgingly, he adds, “It’s the one thing Ramsay didn’t change.”

The changes Ramsay and his team made are extensive. They remodeled Pantaleone’s dining room with new tables, walls and art, bought a $10,000 stainless steel stove, and a brand new catering van.

When I ask Pete why he thinks Ramsay chose to help his restaurant, he claps his hands and laughs.

“My family!” Pete says with a huge smile. Then he is suddenly serious.

“Gordon likes family and we had a lot in common, family-wise. A lot of heartaches.” Pete stops, not wanting to reveal too much about the world-famous chef he now calls a friend.

But he tells me about taking out a VISA and sending his brother $10,000 to save his house in Greece.

Pete imitates Ramsay jabbing him in the chest with a finger.

“Gordon said, ‘You tried to save your brother with no money. You’re a good man.’”

And Pantaleone’s is a family affair. Pete’s younger son Joshua, 33, helps run the kitchen.

Adding to the already-intense situation, Pete says Josh grew up idolizing Chef Ramsay.

“When [Ramsay] came in the restaurant, [Josh] lost his voice. Gordon goes ‘What’s wrong with you?! Did he castrate you?’” Pete laughs.

“Were there big blowouts?” I ask.

“Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah!” he says. “He tore Josh apart in that kitchen!”

I couldn’t help asking if he was secretly a little glad Ramsay did it.

“Yeah,” Pete admits. “He needed it.”

I confess that the thought of being reamed by Chef Ramsay absolutely terrifies me.

“No, no, no, no! Don’t be scared of him!” Pete insists. “He didn’t bother me, not that I’m tough guy!”

But Pete admits he felt the pressure, too.

“The margherita pizza came out beautiful, the most beautiful pizza I’ve ever made,” Pete says. Then he imitates Ramsay turning up his nose and walking away. “He’s so damn arrogant, he can never admit something is good.”

And Chef Ramsay also had a few extra challenges up his sleeve to really turn up the heat on the night of the re-launch.

Ramsay sabotaged the stove, replaced a dishwasher with a production assistant, tossed out a waiter, and sent Pete’s 17-year-old grandson to talk to Miss Colorado.

“You think those were the only challenges? You will have to see the part about the van!” Pete says.

“If you see the episode, don’t judge me,” Pete pleads. “I cussed in Greek at the waiter.”

But Pete refuses to let anything stand in his way.

“I’m telling you, I never back down.”

His spirit, determination and experience kicked in when it really counted.

“When you get stuck in the kitchen with 20 tickets, forget the 19 tickets. You start one at a time and at the end you’ll be OK.”

And if he can fill 20 tables in his restaurant, he will be OK. The food is phenomenal. The eggplant parmesan is like a fine cut of steak. The meatballs are amazing, the marinara is incredible and the pizza dough deserves the title of best in town.

But for now, Pete’s hopes are pinned on people seeing his episode on Kitchen Nightmares. And he says Chef Ramsay is his biggest supporter.

“The last speech [Ramsay] gives, you know when he does this (smacks hands), he said, ‘I never wanted anyone to make it so bad as these people.’”

Ramsay already plans to revisit Pantaleone’s for a follow-up that will air next season, Pete tells me.

“We’re supposed play soccer when he comes back,” Pete smiles.

So what was the best part of the whole experience?

“To me, as a chef, it was a honor to meet this guy and work with him in the kitchen,” Pete says. “It was the thrill of a lifetime, it really was.”

He also got some vindication.

Chef Ramsay signed his recipe book, “P.S. I do love your dough.”

Check it out for yourself! For more information about Pantaleone’s menu, delivery service,