<p>I think it's OK to help with the application process in terms of organizing things and so forth. It's a pretty daunting process and the kids have no previous life experience that really prepares them for it. I do think it's good to let them learn some life skills before they go. Here is the one thing I'm glad I did: as my kids entered their teens, I made them learn now to talk to their physician. I made sure they knew to remember to remind a doctor of drug allergies, and that they knew how to describe symptoms, etc. so that they would get the best care. I'm really glad that I did that as one of my kids developed an ongoing health problem while far away at college and needed those skills.</p>
<p>Yes, I use my Viking griddle all the time. In a previous house, I had a 12" griddle, this one I got the 24" griddle. Besides the obvious, it also makes an excellent low temp surface for very slow simmering, like soup stock, melting butter, warming plates, etc. The Wolf griddle is thinner and heats unevenly.</p>
<p>If I had to choose between the asko and bosch washers, I'd get the bosch. But it's not quite as gentle on clothes, so if I did a lot of handwashing (I don't) I get the asko.</p>
<p>Thanks all, 6 months ago I was sure Maytag was the very best. What an amazing experience to find out what I've been missing all these years. I love to cook but didn't even have a good pan a year ago. Really, the food in no better, but the cooking enjoyment sure is!</p>