Sustainable Sushi
Best to eat farmed bay scallops, farmed striped bass, and Canadian sea-urchin roe.
OK to eat Japanese squid, US king crab, and Washington State wild salmon.
Stay away from Australian and Japanese yellowtail, octopus, and bigeye tuna caught with longlines.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Newsweek - January 12, 2009
Listen to: Q-Tip, "The Renaissance"
Watch: "Children's Hospital", web series from Rob Corddry.
Surf: Mother Nature Network (mnn.com), environmental news site.
Shop: Dealnews.com
Read: Joachim Fest, "Plotting Hitler's Death"
Watch: "Children's Hospital", web series from Rob Corddry.
Surf: Mother Nature Network (mnn.com), environmental news site.
Shop: Dealnews.com
Read: Joachim Fest, "Plotting Hitler's Death"
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Newsweek - October 13, 2008
Beat Back The Bugs
Do: wear a hat, drink your OK, get a flu shot
Maybe: eat chicken soup
Don't: starve a cold/feed a fever, curl up by the fire, bother with zinc nor echinacea
Best Organics For The Buck
Get: milk (if not, get skim), beef (if not, get a lean cut), produce, especially cranberries, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, pears, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, lettuce
Not necessary: pork, chicken, eggs, bananas, citrus fruits, pineapple, mango, avocado (fruits with removable skins)
Education, The Song of Hope (Shakira): http://www.newsweek.com/id/162264
Do: wear a hat, drink your OK, get a flu shot
Maybe: eat chicken soup
Don't: starve a cold/feed a fever, curl up by the fire, bother with zinc nor echinacea
Best Organics For The Buck
Get: milk (if not, get skim), beef (if not, get a lean cut), produce, especially cranberries, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, pears, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, lettuce
Not necessary: pork, chicken, eggs, bananas, citrus fruits, pineapple, mango, avocado (fruits with removable skins)
Education, The Song of Hope (Shakira): http://www.newsweek.com/id/162264
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Car and Driver - February, 2009
High Fives: Cars For Drivers, Editors Choice
Performance Compacts:
1. Mazdaspeed 3 ($23,410) - although it's due to be replaced soon, the Mazdaspeed 3 offers explosive performance, good handling, and a composed ride. It is also spacious and practical, with a well-executed interior.
2. Volkswagen GTI ($23,640) - it's not the fastest car in its class or the best handling, but the GTI is an appealing all-around package. It has the best interior in this group, and the dual-clutch transmission is superb.
3. Chevrolet Cobalt SS ($24,095) - a stunningly capable chassis collaborates well with a powerful, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Its only weakness is being a Cobalt, which means it's let down by a chintzy interior.
4. Subaru Impreza WRX ($25,660) - we were disappointed with the latest-generation WRX when it debuted in 2007, but changes to the suspension and engine - up from 224 to 265 hp - have transformed it.
5. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR ($38,985) - it's fast and fabulous (except for the interior), but the Evo is pricey in the superior MR guise. Then again, it's one of the quickest ways we know to travel from point to point.
Sports Sedans:
1. BMW M3 - practical and blindingly fast, quite possibly the best car in the world.
2. Cadillac CTS-V - zero to 60mph in 4.3 seconds, comfy ride, 60 grand. Smokin'!
3. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG - truly wonderful but awfully expensive.
4. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG - good enough to give the M3 a fright.
One to watch - Pontiac G8 GXP - promises to be the bargain of the decade.
Sports Cars:
1. Porsche Boxster - it's hard to think of a car that involves and indulges its driver so much. It is also surprisingly practical for a two-seat roadster.
2. Chevrolet Corvette - for less than $50,000, the base car offers more performance than most drivers will ever be able to use.
3. Mazda MX-5 Miata - it's simple, light on its feet, and easy to live with. We especially like the folding-hardtop version.
4. Mazda RX-8 - we love the unique sound of the rotary engine and the car's sweet handling, but gas mileage is poor.
One to watch - Nissan 370Z - smaller all around and more powerful, the 370Z promises to be even more entertaining than the outgoing 350Z.
Small SUVs:
1. Toyota RAV4 - the available third-row seat and an optional 269hp V6 give it the edge over the CR-V.
2. Honda CR-V - for anyone who doesn't have to carry more than five people, this is the rational all-weather hauler.
3. Nissan Rogue - the most entertaining cute ute on the road, let down only by a somber interior and a noisy transmission.
4. Subaru Forester - less quirky than the old Forester, the 09 model is still fast and useful. We favor the nonturbo model equipped with a stick shift.
One to watch - Volkswagen Tiguan - good to look at, great to sit in, and pleasing to drive. The only downside is that VW thinks it can charge a premium for this class.
Mid-size SUVs:
1. Honda Pilot - this redesigned crossover is solid, nicely appointed, spacious, and a good value. Its only weakness is an engine that's 20hp shy of the competition.
2. Nissan Murano - with excellent real-world gas mileage, a punchy V6, good steering, and a roomy cabin, it's the best two-row SUV out there.
3. Mazda CX-9 - aside from its slightly flinty ride, this is a great highway cruiser - and fun to drive on back roads, too. But it lacks the Pilot's rock-solid feel.
4. Hyundai Santa Fe - somewhat numb and inert to drive, the Santa Fe scores on interior quality and amenities, as well as value and livability.
5. Nissan Xterra - the choice for people who feel the need to go rock crawling but don't want to sacrifice everyday utility or on-road drivability.
Entry Luxury Cars:
1. BMW 3-series - it's hard to argue with the sheer brilliance of the 3-series sedans and coupes. The new 335d turbo-diesel only increases this appeal.
2. Infiniti G37 - sporting newly refined powertrains, the G37 comes close to toppling the 3-series. And the coupe and sedan are better values, too.
3. Cadillac CTS - beautifully styled inside and out, the CTS suffers only minor refinement issues and a notchy manual transmission.
4. Audi A4 - lacking a little personality, the elegant and luxurious A4 is worth a look, especially in 2.0-liter form.
5. Acura TSX - it has grown and lost some charm, but it still drives beautifully and is the bargain in this class.
Luxury Sedans:
1. Mercedes-Benz S-Class - the "base" S550 is our favoirte, combining class-leading presence, spaciousness, driver appeal, and the full gamut of luxury amenities.
2. Jaguar XF - undoubtedly the best Jaguar ever made, the gorgeous XF mates a superb ride with sharp handling.
3. Infiniti M35/M45 - competitive in every respect, the M45 blows the 5-series away because of its price advantage.
4. BMW 5-series - now available with the superb 3.0-liter turbo engine, the 5-series is a terrific, if pricey, option.
One to watch - BMW 7-series - more high-tech but more user-friendly, the revamped 750i will give stern opposition to the S550.
Small Cars:
1. Honda Fit - with EPA ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway (for the manual), a ton of interior room, and enjoyable handling, it's a standout.
2. Volkswagen Rabbit - a two-time comparison test winner, the Rabbit is high on driving pleasure and exudes quality.
3. Honda Civic - the space-age exterior and interior styling polarizes. But the Civic drives nicely and gets good gas mileage: 26mpg city and 34mpg highway for the manual models.
4. Nissan Versa - commodious and capable, the Versa is a great value: A new 1.6 model comes in under $11,000.
Supercars:
1. Ferrari F430/430 Scuderia - whether you choose a coupe or a spider, the F430 is a glorious device. And the lightweight Scuderia is the best of them all.
2. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - a $105,000 Corvette might seem like a stretch, but the ZR1 is fabulous and easier to drive at the limit than the less powerful Z06.
3. Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 - recent upgrades have turned the 552hp baby Lambo into a car that's as quick as the Ferrari Enzo.
4. Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano - the perfect expression of what a two-seat gran turismo should be.
5. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 - stupid expensive, but it rewrites the book on street-car performance.
Family Sedans:
1. Honda Accord - a perennial 10Best winner, the Accord is the most complete family sedan on the market. Our pick is the EX 4-cylinder, which gains 13hp over the 177hp LX base model. Dislikes? A needlessly complex center stack.
2. Mazda 6 - all-new for 2009, the 6 has grown bigger over time, like every car in this class. It isn't as much fun to drive as the previous model, but is more refined. It looks distinctive too.
3. Nissan Altima - we're not sold on the gloomy cockpit, but the Altima is the most enjoyable family sedan on back roads. With cars in this class, stick with the 4-cylinder models.
4. Chevrolet Malibu - now a serious player, the Malibu has looks, refinement, and a classy interior. A 6-speed automatic option further improves the 4-cylinder models.
5. Hyundai Sonata - we wouldn't recommend the Sonata to any budding Lewis Hamiltons out there, but it's a good deal for anyone who wants a quiet, luxurious, well-equipped cruiser.
Performance Compacts:
1. Mazdaspeed 3 ($23,410) - although it's due to be replaced soon, the Mazdaspeed 3 offers explosive performance, good handling, and a composed ride. It is also spacious and practical, with a well-executed interior.
2. Volkswagen GTI ($23,640) - it's not the fastest car in its class or the best handling, but the GTI is an appealing all-around package. It has the best interior in this group, and the dual-clutch transmission is superb.
3. Chevrolet Cobalt SS ($24,095) - a stunningly capable chassis collaborates well with a powerful, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Its only weakness is being a Cobalt, which means it's let down by a chintzy interior.
4. Subaru Impreza WRX ($25,660) - we were disappointed with the latest-generation WRX when it debuted in 2007, but changes to the suspension and engine - up from 224 to 265 hp - have transformed it.
5. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR ($38,985) - it's fast and fabulous (except for the interior), but the Evo is pricey in the superior MR guise. Then again, it's one of the quickest ways we know to travel from point to point.
Sports Sedans:
1. BMW M3 - practical and blindingly fast, quite possibly the best car in the world.
2. Cadillac CTS-V - zero to 60mph in 4.3 seconds, comfy ride, 60 grand. Smokin'!
3. Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG - truly wonderful but awfully expensive.
4. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG - good enough to give the M3 a fright.
One to watch - Pontiac G8 GXP - promises to be the bargain of the decade.
Sports Cars:
1. Porsche Boxster - it's hard to think of a car that involves and indulges its driver so much. It is also surprisingly practical for a two-seat roadster.
2. Chevrolet Corvette - for less than $50,000, the base car offers more performance than most drivers will ever be able to use.
3. Mazda MX-5 Miata - it's simple, light on its feet, and easy to live with. We especially like the folding-hardtop version.
4. Mazda RX-8 - we love the unique sound of the rotary engine and the car's sweet handling, but gas mileage is poor.
One to watch - Nissan 370Z - smaller all around and more powerful, the 370Z promises to be even more entertaining than the outgoing 350Z.
Small SUVs:
1. Toyota RAV4 - the available third-row seat and an optional 269hp V6 give it the edge over the CR-V.
2. Honda CR-V - for anyone who doesn't have to carry more than five people, this is the rational all-weather hauler.
3. Nissan Rogue - the most entertaining cute ute on the road, let down only by a somber interior and a noisy transmission.
4. Subaru Forester - less quirky than the old Forester, the 09 model is still fast and useful. We favor the nonturbo model equipped with a stick shift.
One to watch - Volkswagen Tiguan - good to look at, great to sit in, and pleasing to drive. The only downside is that VW thinks it can charge a premium for this class.
Mid-size SUVs:
1. Honda Pilot - this redesigned crossover is solid, nicely appointed, spacious, and a good value. Its only weakness is an engine that's 20hp shy of the competition.
2. Nissan Murano - with excellent real-world gas mileage, a punchy V6, good steering, and a roomy cabin, it's the best two-row SUV out there.
3. Mazda CX-9 - aside from its slightly flinty ride, this is a great highway cruiser - and fun to drive on back roads, too. But it lacks the Pilot's rock-solid feel.
4. Hyundai Santa Fe - somewhat numb and inert to drive, the Santa Fe scores on interior quality and amenities, as well as value and livability.
5. Nissan Xterra - the choice for people who feel the need to go rock crawling but don't want to sacrifice everyday utility or on-road drivability.
Entry Luxury Cars:
1. BMW 3-series - it's hard to argue with the sheer brilliance of the 3-series sedans and coupes. The new 335d turbo-diesel only increases this appeal.
2. Infiniti G37 - sporting newly refined powertrains, the G37 comes close to toppling the 3-series. And the coupe and sedan are better values, too.
3. Cadillac CTS - beautifully styled inside and out, the CTS suffers only minor refinement issues and a notchy manual transmission.
4. Audi A4 - lacking a little personality, the elegant and luxurious A4 is worth a look, especially in 2.0-liter form.
5. Acura TSX - it has grown and lost some charm, but it still drives beautifully and is the bargain in this class.
Luxury Sedans:
1. Mercedes-Benz S-Class - the "base" S550 is our favoirte, combining class-leading presence, spaciousness, driver appeal, and the full gamut of luxury amenities.
2. Jaguar XF - undoubtedly the best Jaguar ever made, the gorgeous XF mates a superb ride with sharp handling.
3. Infiniti M35/M45 - competitive in every respect, the M45 blows the 5-series away because of its price advantage.
4. BMW 5-series - now available with the superb 3.0-liter turbo engine, the 5-series is a terrific, if pricey, option.
One to watch - BMW 7-series - more high-tech but more user-friendly, the revamped 750i will give stern opposition to the S550.
Small Cars:
1. Honda Fit - with EPA ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway (for the manual), a ton of interior room, and enjoyable handling, it's a standout.
2. Volkswagen Rabbit - a two-time comparison test winner, the Rabbit is high on driving pleasure and exudes quality.
3. Honda Civic - the space-age exterior and interior styling polarizes. But the Civic drives nicely and gets good gas mileage: 26mpg city and 34mpg highway for the manual models.
4. Nissan Versa - commodious and capable, the Versa is a great value: A new 1.6 model comes in under $11,000.
Supercars:
1. Ferrari F430/430 Scuderia - whether you choose a coupe or a spider, the F430 is a glorious device. And the lightweight Scuderia is the best of them all.
2. Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - a $105,000 Corvette might seem like a stretch, but the ZR1 is fabulous and easier to drive at the limit than the less powerful Z06.
3. Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 - recent upgrades have turned the 552hp baby Lambo into a car that's as quick as the Ferrari Enzo.
4. Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano - the perfect expression of what a two-seat gran turismo should be.
5. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 - stupid expensive, but it rewrites the book on street-car performance.
Family Sedans:
1. Honda Accord - a perennial 10Best winner, the Accord is the most complete family sedan on the market. Our pick is the EX 4-cylinder, which gains 13hp over the 177hp LX base model. Dislikes? A needlessly complex center stack.
2. Mazda 6 - all-new for 2009, the 6 has grown bigger over time, like every car in this class. It isn't as much fun to drive as the previous model, but is more refined. It looks distinctive too.
3. Nissan Altima - we're not sold on the gloomy cockpit, but the Altima is the most enjoyable family sedan on back roads. With cars in this class, stick with the 4-cylinder models.
4. Chevrolet Malibu - now a serious player, the Malibu has looks, refinement, and a classy interior. A 6-speed automatic option further improves the 4-cylinder models.
5. Hyundai Sonata - we wouldn't recommend the Sonata to any budding Lewis Hamiltons out there, but it's a good deal for anyone who wants a quiet, luxurious, well-equipped cruiser.
New York - November 10, 2008
Live Cheap Without Giving Up Much
Drink only at dives: annual savings = $3,467
-Nancy Whiskey, Lucy's, Port 41, Alibi Club
Get a $14 haircut: annual savings = $540
-Neighborhood Barbers
Swap clothes: annual savings = $1,000
-hold a clothing swap at home
Clear your bookshelves: annual savings = $299.40
-read every volume that's currently collecting dust on your shelves before you buy a new book
Slash your bills: annual savings = $416
-cell phone (find a lower-price plan given minutes needed), cable/internet/home phone, electric (ESCO instead of ConEd).
Public schools for kids: annual savings = $23,625
-Insideschools.org
Repair, don't replace: annual savings = $1,229
-restore a dresser at All Furniture Services, rewire an old lamp at Lexington Hardware and Electric, de-stain a rug at Flat Rate Carpet, fix a digital camera at Marty's Camera Repair, make boots look new at Cesar's Shoe Repair, replace coat linings at Nelson Tailor Shop, repaire a snagged dress at Orchard Express
Surf the first wave of panic-selling: total savings = $394,463
-property markdowns at streeteasy.com or trulia.com
Recycle your romances: annual savings = $2,400
-bootycalling an ex you're on good terms with is a low-rish, high-yield investment
Cancel DVDs by mail: annual savings = $204
-use the public library's DVD stack instead
Go generic: annual savings: $92.16
-ShopRite Ibuprofen instead of Advil, CVS anti-itch cream instead of Cortaid itch cream, Bravo market's Krasdale Ultra laundry detergent instead of double-strength Tide, Hanes boxer shorts instead of Gap boxers, Duane Reade Nourishing formula nail-polish remover and cotton balls instead of Cutex nail-polish remover and Johnson & Johnson cotton balls, and Duane Reade Naproxen Sodium instead of Aleve
Kick your cab habit: annual savings = $5,000
-take the subway
Paint your own damn nails: annual savings = $2,000
-forget expensive hand and foot creams. Body moisturizers or anti-aging lotions are plenty good for hands and feet.
-nail files and buffing blocks can be bought in bulk at a beauty supply store like Sally's. Better yet, cut the files in half and the blocs in quarters to make them last longer.
-the proper way to file is at a 45 degree angle underneath the nail. If your nails are weak, gently file in one direction.
-don't overcolor. Wipe polish off one side of the brush, put one dot in the middle of the nail, and fan out until the polish reaches your cuticles.
-be patient when drying, 15 minutes minimum. To speed up drying time, go for a walk in the cold air. It shrinks the molecules in the lacquer.
Become your own super: annual savings = $1,200
-take care of the trash, the boiler, the keys and the lightbulbs for less rent
Caffeinate efficiently: annual savings = $1,565
-switch from Starbucks to Dunkin Donuts
-brew it yourself
Take the free water taxi to the Red Hook Ikea: annual savings = $48
Negotiate everything: annual savings = $2,028
-queen-size Simmons Hamlet pillow-top mattress at Sleepy's (method: War of Attrition, lie down on a bed, get up, say nothing until salesman blew up, "Are you going to buy a bed or just play with me?"), Ermenegildo Zegna suede-and-calf sneakers at Saks Fifth Avenue (method: Soft Plea, "Are they going to be on sale shortly? If no, are there any other discounts that would apply?"), all-access membership at Union Square Equinox fitness club (method: Growing Uninterest, super-eager during the tour but testy once fees brought up, "It doesn't seem worth it"), mint-condition Door Store dining table off Craigslist (method: To and Fro, start low, meet somewhere in the middle), basic Time Warner cable (method: Cable Guy, wait until cable guys was installing Internet, asked him "Any chance you can hook me up with free cable? Twenty dollars okay?"), Eaemes lounge chair and ottoman by Herman Miller at Design Within Reach (method: Team Player, appeared with notebook, asked lots of questions, appear like their dream customer, only ask about the price at the end, "Is there something we can do about the price?"), street knish at 5th Ave and 54th St. (method: You Can't Do Any Better For That Knish?, "I'll give you X. C'mon, man, tough times.")
Knock off your favorite suit: annual savings = $2,594
-Biemonte Wong's Tailor, from Hong Kong, camps at the Hilton New York in midtown, make an appointment to drop off your favorite pieces and choose from their wide range of materials. The clothes will be made in Hong Kong and shipped in 3 weeks.
Eat like a prince at pauper's prices: annual savings = $605
-Chicken for two: Pio Pio, Peruvian chicken specialist, $30 for whole rotisserie chicken, rice, beans, tostones, avocado salad, and fries and sliced hot dog.
-Bowl of pasta: Pepe Rosso to Go, hole in the wall hits the spot with $6.95 spaghetti with tomato and basil.
-The fancy lunch: Jean Georges, two-course lunch that some consider the best $28 you can spend on food today.
-Peking duck: Corner 28, steamed bun stuffed with roast duck goes for $1 and is delivered from a takeout window.
-Regular slice: 99cent Fresh Pizza, quick and satisfying lunch.
-Indian feast: Chennai Garden, $14.95 Gujarathi combo dinner arrives on a round tray containing kachori (dal fritter), batata vada (spicy potato fritters), kadi (chickpea flour and yogurt soup), a vegetable curry, rice pilaf, poori, date chutney, and sweetened cheese dessert called rasmali.
-The brush with three-Michelin-star greatness: Benoit, nibble on $1 "egg mayo", a fancy Frenchified take on a deviled egg, served with toasted length of ficelle and springy leaf of lettuce.
-Steak for two: General Greene, Niman Ranch flap steak (remarkably beefy, seldom seen but up-and-coming cut) for $12.
-Ice-cream cone: Dessert Club, ChikaLicious, vanilla-bean soft-serve for $2.90.
De-stress for less: annual savings = $780
-Keisy Oriental Nature Center, 60-minute shiatsu and acupressure massage for $45.
Trade babysitting: annual savings = $3,120
Whittle down your mortgage: annual savings = $9,086
-refinance into a new 30-year-fixed, take on an adjustable rate, or make a thirteenth payment every year
Embrace low fashion: annual savings = $1,462 for women, $2,193 for men
-women: vintage frames at Fabulous Fanny's, cashmere at J. Crew, lingerie at Macy's, party shoes at Guess by Marciano, date dresses at Forever 21, parkas at Uniqlo
-men: winter boots at Eddie Bauer, denim at Levi's, work shoes at Florsheim, button-downs at H&M, peacoats at American Eagle, business suits at DKNY (at Rothman's)
Drink good cheap wine: annual savings = $2,205
-instead of Krug Brut Champagne Collection 1985, try Gruet Brut
-instead of Terlano Chardonnay 1995, try Lamoreaux Landing Chardonnay 2006
-instead of Braida Barbera d'Asti Bricco dell'Uccellone 2004, try Daniel Bouland Morgon Vielles Vignes 2007
Be your own restaurant: annual savings = $1,248
Dodge the (rental) broker's fee: annual savings = $6,597
-work the streets: chat up every doorman and buzz every super in the area you want to live
-tell everyone your sob story
-dig deeper into the web: craigslist, streeteasy.com, online Times and Voice classifieds, RDNY, and listingsquare.com
-go straight to the source: management companies usually only charge for background checks. Try Stonehenge Management, Jakobson Properties, Solow Leasing, Glenwood, Rudin Management, and Rose Associates
-call a broker: ask for an agent that handles OP (owner pays) listings
Go to museums only on Friday nights: annual savings = $79
-MoMA, free 4 to 8
-Bronx Museum of the Arts, free all day
-Guggenheim, pay what you wish 5:45 to 7:45
-Morgan Library, free 7 to 9
-American Folk Art Museum, free 5:30 to 7:30
-New York Historical Society, free 6 to 8
Rent a dress: annual savings = $5,580
-Ilus, a "luxury for lease" boutique that offers 3-day rentals for $60 to $400
Drink only at dives: annual savings = $3,467
-Nancy Whiskey, Lucy's, Port 41, Alibi Club
Get a $14 haircut: annual savings = $540
-Neighborhood Barbers
Swap clothes: annual savings = $1,000
-hold a clothing swap at home
Clear your bookshelves: annual savings = $299.40
-read every volume that's currently collecting dust on your shelves before you buy a new book
Slash your bills: annual savings = $416
-cell phone (find a lower-price plan given minutes needed), cable/internet/home phone, electric (ESCO instead of ConEd).
Public schools for kids: annual savings = $23,625
-Insideschools.org
Repair, don't replace: annual savings = $1,229
-restore a dresser at All Furniture Services, rewire an old lamp at Lexington Hardware and Electric, de-stain a rug at Flat Rate Carpet, fix a digital camera at Marty's Camera Repair, make boots look new at Cesar's Shoe Repair, replace coat linings at Nelson Tailor Shop, repaire a snagged dress at Orchard Express
Surf the first wave of panic-selling: total savings = $394,463
-property markdowns at streeteasy.com or trulia.com
Recycle your romances: annual savings = $2,400
-bootycalling an ex you're on good terms with is a low-rish, high-yield investment
Cancel DVDs by mail: annual savings = $204
-use the public library's DVD stack instead
Go generic: annual savings: $92.16
-ShopRite Ibuprofen instead of Advil, CVS anti-itch cream instead of Cortaid itch cream, Bravo market's Krasdale Ultra laundry detergent instead of double-strength Tide, Hanes boxer shorts instead of Gap boxers, Duane Reade Nourishing formula nail-polish remover and cotton balls instead of Cutex nail-polish remover and Johnson & Johnson cotton balls, and Duane Reade Naproxen Sodium instead of Aleve
Kick your cab habit: annual savings = $5,000
-take the subway
Paint your own damn nails: annual savings = $2,000
-forget expensive hand and foot creams. Body moisturizers or anti-aging lotions are plenty good for hands and feet.
-nail files and buffing blocks can be bought in bulk at a beauty supply store like Sally's. Better yet, cut the files in half and the blocs in quarters to make them last longer.
-the proper way to file is at a 45 degree angle underneath the nail. If your nails are weak, gently file in one direction.
-don't overcolor. Wipe polish off one side of the brush, put one dot in the middle of the nail, and fan out until the polish reaches your cuticles.
-be patient when drying, 15 minutes minimum. To speed up drying time, go for a walk in the cold air. It shrinks the molecules in the lacquer.
Become your own super: annual savings = $1,200
-take care of the trash, the boiler, the keys and the lightbulbs for less rent
Caffeinate efficiently: annual savings = $1,565
-switch from Starbucks to Dunkin Donuts
-brew it yourself
Take the free water taxi to the Red Hook Ikea: annual savings = $48
Negotiate everything: annual savings = $2,028
-queen-size Simmons Hamlet pillow-top mattress at Sleepy's (method: War of Attrition, lie down on a bed, get up, say nothing until salesman blew up, "Are you going to buy a bed or just play with me?"), Ermenegildo Zegna suede-and-calf sneakers at Saks Fifth Avenue (method: Soft Plea, "Are they going to be on sale shortly? If no, are there any other discounts that would apply?"), all-access membership at Union Square Equinox fitness club (method: Growing Uninterest, super-eager during the tour but testy once fees brought up, "It doesn't seem worth it"), mint-condition Door Store dining table off Craigslist (method: To and Fro, start low, meet somewhere in the middle), basic Time Warner cable (method: Cable Guy, wait until cable guys was installing Internet, asked him "Any chance you can hook me up with free cable? Twenty dollars okay?"), Eaemes lounge chair and ottoman by Herman Miller at Design Within Reach (method: Team Player, appeared with notebook, asked lots of questions, appear like their dream customer, only ask about the price at the end, "Is there something we can do about the price?"), street knish at 5th Ave and 54th St. (method: You Can't Do Any Better For That Knish?, "I'll give you X. C'mon, man, tough times.")
Knock off your favorite suit: annual savings = $2,594
-Biemonte Wong's Tailor, from Hong Kong, camps at the Hilton New York in midtown, make an appointment to drop off your favorite pieces and choose from their wide range of materials. The clothes will be made in Hong Kong and shipped in 3 weeks.
Eat like a prince at pauper's prices: annual savings = $605
-Chicken for two: Pio Pio, Peruvian chicken specialist, $30 for whole rotisserie chicken, rice, beans, tostones, avocado salad, and fries and sliced hot dog.
-Bowl of pasta: Pepe Rosso to Go, hole in the wall hits the spot with $6.95 spaghetti with tomato and basil.
-The fancy lunch: Jean Georges, two-course lunch that some consider the best $28 you can spend on food today.
-Peking duck: Corner 28, steamed bun stuffed with roast duck goes for $1 and is delivered from a takeout window.
-Regular slice: 99cent Fresh Pizza, quick and satisfying lunch.
-Indian feast: Chennai Garden, $14.95 Gujarathi combo dinner arrives on a round tray containing kachori (dal fritter), batata vada (spicy potato fritters), kadi (chickpea flour and yogurt soup), a vegetable curry, rice pilaf, poori, date chutney, and sweetened cheese dessert called rasmali.
-The brush with three-Michelin-star greatness: Benoit, nibble on $1 "egg mayo", a fancy Frenchified take on a deviled egg, served with toasted length of ficelle and springy leaf of lettuce.
-Steak for two: General Greene, Niman Ranch flap steak (remarkably beefy, seldom seen but up-and-coming cut) for $12.
-Ice-cream cone: Dessert Club, ChikaLicious, vanilla-bean soft-serve for $2.90.
De-stress for less: annual savings = $780
-Keisy Oriental Nature Center, 60-minute shiatsu and acupressure massage for $45.
Trade babysitting: annual savings = $3,120
Whittle down your mortgage: annual savings = $9,086
-refinance into a new 30-year-fixed, take on an adjustable rate, or make a thirteenth payment every year
Embrace low fashion: annual savings = $1,462 for women, $2,193 for men
-women: vintage frames at Fabulous Fanny's, cashmere at J. Crew, lingerie at Macy's, party shoes at Guess by Marciano, date dresses at Forever 21, parkas at Uniqlo
-men: winter boots at Eddie Bauer, denim at Levi's, work shoes at Florsheim, button-downs at H&M, peacoats at American Eagle, business suits at DKNY (at Rothman's)
Drink good cheap wine: annual savings = $2,205
-instead of Krug Brut Champagne Collection 1985, try Gruet Brut
-instead of Terlano Chardonnay 1995, try Lamoreaux Landing Chardonnay 2006
-instead of Braida Barbera d'Asti Bricco dell'Uccellone 2004, try Daniel Bouland Morgon Vielles Vignes 2007
Be your own restaurant: annual savings = $1,248
Dodge the (rental) broker's fee: annual savings = $6,597
-work the streets: chat up every doorman and buzz every super in the area you want to live
-tell everyone your sob story
-dig deeper into the web: craigslist, streeteasy.com, online Times and Voice classifieds, RDNY, and listingsquare.com
-go straight to the source: management companies usually only charge for background checks. Try Stonehenge Management, Jakobson Properties, Solow Leasing, Glenwood, Rudin Management, and Rose Associates
-call a broker: ask for an agent that handles OP (owner pays) listings
Go to museums only on Friday nights: annual savings = $79
-MoMA, free 4 to 8
-Bronx Museum of the Arts, free all day
-Guggenheim, pay what you wish 5:45 to 7:45
-Morgan Library, free 7 to 9
-American Folk Art Museum, free 5:30 to 7:30
-New York Historical Society, free 6 to 8
Rent a dress: annual savings = $5,580
-Ilus, a "luxury for lease" boutique that offers 3-day rentals for $60 to $400
Business Week - November 10, 2008
Ranking Free-Market Economies (Global Competitiveness Report, 08-09)
Openness to Capital Flows:
1. Hong Kong
2. Mauritius
3. Sweden
4. Iceland
5. Finland
6. Singapore
7. Estonia
8. Germany
9. Switzerland
10. Denmark
19. Canada
20. U.S.
Low Trade Barriers:
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. New Zealand
4. Chile
5. Finland
6. Slovak Republic
7. Sweden
8. Ireland
9. Czech Republic
10. Denmark
21. U.S.
24. Canada
Absence of Distortions from Taxes and Subsidies:
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. Chile
4. Iceland
5. South Africa
6. New Zealand
7. Norway
8. Estonia
9. Ireland
10. Netherlands
34. Canada
35. U.S.
Percentage of 25 to 34 year olds with higher degrees (OECD, 2006)
1. Russia
2. Canada
3. Japan
4. Korea
5. Israel
6. New Zealand
7. Ireland
8. Belgium
9. Norway
10. France
12. U.S.
How Apple Does It (Apple's former director of industrial design, Robert Brunner)
Support design at senior levels; design for more than decoration; be original; and launch products quickly and often.
Stocks
Stocks have been the top-performing asset worldwide since 1900. The Australian and Swedish markets have led the way, with annualized real returns of nearly 8% each through 2007, compared with a 5.8% average for world stock markets. In recent years, though, bonds have beaten equities in 10 out of 17 countries, including all the largest markets, according to Global Investment Returns Yearbook. A team at London Business School found that the annualized real return on a world index of stock markets from 2000 to 2007, in US dollars, was just 1.3%.
Where Cash-Rich Funds Are Placing Their Bets
David Winters, Wintergreen:
-"the trifecta" is buying really good companies at a really good price with good management
-likes Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffet's holding company) and Schindler Group (Swiss maker and servicer of elevators and escalators)
Bruce Berkowitz, Fairholme:
-looking at companies with strong cash flows, particularly in health care and defense
-likes United Healthcare and WellPoint (HMOs), Pfizer and Forest Laboratories (big pharmaceuticals)
Matt McLennan, First Eagle Global
-buying in Asia, particularly Japan
-likes Fanuc (leader in robotics), SMC (make of pneumatic components), Aioi Insurance
Openness to Capital Flows:
1. Hong Kong
2. Mauritius
3. Sweden
4. Iceland
5. Finland
6. Singapore
7. Estonia
8. Germany
9. Switzerland
10. Denmark
19. Canada
20. U.S.
Low Trade Barriers:
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. New Zealand
4. Chile
5. Finland
6. Slovak Republic
7. Sweden
8. Ireland
9. Czech Republic
10. Denmark
21. U.S.
24. Canada
Absence of Distortions from Taxes and Subsidies:
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. Chile
4. Iceland
5. South Africa
6. New Zealand
7. Norway
8. Estonia
9. Ireland
10. Netherlands
34. Canada
35. U.S.
Percentage of 25 to 34 year olds with higher degrees (OECD, 2006)
1. Russia
2. Canada
3. Japan
4. Korea
5. Israel
6. New Zealand
7. Ireland
8. Belgium
9. Norway
10. France
12. U.S.
How Apple Does It (Apple's former director of industrial design, Robert Brunner)
Support design at senior levels; design for more than decoration; be original; and launch products quickly and often.
Stocks
Stocks have been the top-performing asset worldwide since 1900. The Australian and Swedish markets have led the way, with annualized real returns of nearly 8% each through 2007, compared with a 5.8% average for world stock markets. In recent years, though, bonds have beaten equities in 10 out of 17 countries, including all the largest markets, according to Global Investment Returns Yearbook. A team at London Business School found that the annualized real return on a world index of stock markets from 2000 to 2007, in US dollars, was just 1.3%.
Where Cash-Rich Funds Are Placing Their Bets
David Winters, Wintergreen:
-"the trifecta" is buying really good companies at a really good price with good management
-likes Berkshire Hathaway (Warren Buffet's holding company) and Schindler Group (Swiss maker and servicer of elevators and escalators)
Bruce Berkowitz, Fairholme:
-looking at companies with strong cash flows, particularly in health care and defense
-likes United Healthcare and WellPoint (HMOs), Pfizer and Forest Laboratories (big pharmaceuticals)
Matt McLennan, First Eagle Global
-buying in Asia, particularly Japan
-likes Fanuc (leader in robotics), SMC (make of pneumatic components), Aioi Insurance
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