DIRTY POLITICS

Mudslinging as a campaign tactic is just as popular as its ever been. No matter what side of the aisle you sit on, no one's managed to steer clear of targeted rumors and malicious gossip in the race for President. In a race to win a design job on the upper east side, I found myself in the middle of a political nightmare. In LA people renovate as often as they inject botox; frequently and with ease. New York City, however, is a different beast. The rumors I'd heard about the Condo Gestapo are true. The politics involved in bringing about change, as simple as it may seem, can be a tedious task. While you can find anything you want in Manhattan...a transvestite hooker in the Meat Packing District, a hot bar in Hell's Kitchen, a naked cowboy dancing in Times Square or a beautiful handbag in SoHo, finding the patience to deal with most condo boards can make you want to defect. Yesterday, while gossiping about my clients housing crisis, I found a tiny solution to our big political problems. The board of her building would not allow the installation of extra plumbing in her condo to add a dishwasher. After a big debate, I won...My new favorite appliance is a popular choice in this conservative market for cleaning up mud slung on your plates and glasses. Meet the Haier Table Top Dishwasher. A tad larger than a bread maker, this fantastic appliance plugs into the wall and hooks up to your sink in two easy steps. While cleaning up your mess it also helps clean up the environment by using less energy and less water. So, get ready to dish it out!

TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: Five minutes to hook up

COST: $174.99 at http://www.giantsavings.com/ also available at http://www.kmart.com/ for $199.99 for the Haier table top dishwasher model #HDT18PA

STRESS LEVEL: Starting the day with a clean plate: LOW