News Articles - MainStreet

Refresh Your Spirit: Visit Italy’s Amalfi Coast

aborovitz — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:15:00 -0400

A 6 day trip to Italy's Amafli Coast.

How To Achieve The 'Get Rich' Mindset

aborovitz — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

One reason many people have so much trouble with their finances isn't a lack of knowledge, but that they look for quick fixes rather than taking steps to correct the situation.

Get To Know The BlackBerry Bold

aborovitz — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:28:22 -0400

We've seen the new Research In Motion product up close and we like what we see.

In Search of a Loan: Where To Go When Banks Say No

aborovitz — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:12:30 -0400

Banks are making it much more difficult to get a loan. Learn about the new peer to peer lending tools that are making loans easier to get, and loaned money easier to get back.

This Year's Schedule of Hot Graduation Speeches: Jerry Springer! Oprah!

aborovitz — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:56:01 -0400

Commencement speakers start clearing your throats! Whose new graduation pep talk will get more YouTube hits than Steve Job's classic Stanford speech? Bill Clinton? Oprah? Jerry Springer? Find out where they'll be sharing their wisdom and when.

Spygate: What To Do When Your Boss Asks You To Bend The Rules

aborovitz — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:06:46 -0400

All in all, it’s fair to say that 2008 hasn’t shaped up to be too good a year for coach Bill Belichick and his New England Patriots.

Beat the Street's Fifth Winner Rakes In $5,000

lmceneaney — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:52:30 -0400

There's always room for more stock pickers to play Beat the Street, but only one player walks away each week with $5,000 in real winnings!

VIDEO: See Why These Models Really Are Hot Mamas

mleiman — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:50:27 -0400

Pregnancy is no reason to step off the catwalk. And, thanks to model turned mom turned business owner Liza Elliot-Ramirez pregnant women can now parlay their pregnancy into profits.

Blog Roundup

abeals — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:06:06 -0400

The blog world is buzzing with personal finance advice. Check out some of today’s more interesting posts:

Jim Cramer's Top Charity Auction Items

jszathmari — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:28:35 -0400

A walk-on role in a Johnny Depp movie, four box seats club passes at Yankee Stadium, VIP tickets to The Colbert Report, a private screening of Mad Money… Going once, going twice, sold—for a worthy cause. Jim Cramer, from TheStreet.com and Mad Money, wants you to raise your paddle (or click your mouse) to raise extra money for charity.

Our Spy On the Upper East Side

mleiman — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:15:00 -0400

Each Monday our resident 10021, well, resident, Betsy Perry joins MainStreet to dish the dirt on what it’s like to live among the hedge fund masters of the universe—and their expensively dressed and even more expensively educated families—as the times get tougher and the Gucci belts get tighter. Stay tuned and please let us know your thoughts on "Our Spy on the Upper East Side" Or, if you’re feeling wild you could just leave a comment.

News Round Up

mleiman — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:05:13 -0400

MainStreet’s “News Roundup” section is about keeping you in the know—or, more accurately, what MainStreet considers in the know.

So…for what’s happening with Jimmy Fallon taking over late night, Survivor ending, and tornadoes in the heartland, read on!

Daily Pulse: What You Are Searching For Now?

abeals — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:40:57 -0400

Every day Main Street PULSE gathers the top items being searched via Google’s Top Hot Trends (GOOG), Yahoo Buzz, and Ask.com’s top advancing searches. Click on the links below to take you to that search engine’s results.

Blog Roundup

abeals — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:24:44 -0400

The blog world is buzzing with personal finance advice. Check out some of today’s more interesting posts:

Your Grandparents' Top Ten Money Tips

mleiman — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:58:44 -0400

The U.S. may not technically be in a recession. After all, the U.S. Commerce Department says the economy grew at a 0.6% pace in the first quarter.

Aspirational Fine Dining: The Four Best New Hotel Restaurants

mleiman — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Booking your next trip may be more about the food than the actual
accommodation. Getting a dinner reservation will be just as hard to nab
as a luxury suite at these 5 star hotels, but well worth the effort.

Let Your Boss Feel Like a Star

mleiman — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:04:00 -0400

The battle of big biceps is on! Learn why one Broadway star is demanding his costars cover up and the surprising lessons this dressing room drama can teach you about upstaging your coworkers (sometimes it is OK).

How To Rub Your Steak The Right Way

mleiman — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Grilling season is upon us. Which means, as a cooking teacher, I'll soon be inundated with questions about marinades and rubs.

Why Hillary's Name Is Worth $7,165 More Than Obama's

aborovitz — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:43:38 -0400

How much is your name worth?

How Many Minutes Does It Take Gisele To Earn Your Salary?

mleiman — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:26:34 -0400

How does your hourly rate stack up to the cat walk's cash queen?

Which Insurance Protects You From Gators in the Kitchen?

mleiman — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:07:00 -0400

And you thought fixing that leaky faucet was a problem? Try reckoning with an alligator in the kitchen.

How To Throw a Ranch Style Wedding Like Jenna Bush's

mleiman — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:36:00 -0400

Want to have a wedding fit for a First Daughter? Think rustic, not ritzy.

Top 10 Cheap Ways to Entertain Your Family

aborovitz — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:55:27 -0400

Even though your kids are about to have more free time then they’ve had the entire year, planning a family outing doesn’t need to be expensive–or a hassle.

How To Deal When Your Favorite Store Leaves Town

mleiman — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:11:00 -0400

Check out our list of some of the biggest chains to close down, and where to look once they’re gone.

How To Throw an Instant Cinco de Mayo Party

aborovitz — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:02:41 -0400

It is never too late to throw a party for Cinco de Mayo, which celebrates an important milestone on the road to Mexico's independence.

Can You Cash In On a Celebrity Jury Experience?

mleiman — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:50:22 -0400

Jury duty can be dullsville, unless someone like Uma Thurman takes the stand! Learn the do's and don'ts for cashing in on your court time, and why moving to New York increases the odds of making jury time money.

Will Miley’s Racy Photos Sink Her $1 Million Book’s Success

mleiman — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:56:43 -0400

Miley Cyrus’s star might not shine quite so bright, now that her racy Vanity Fair photo spread has come to light. But that’s today. What will happen to sales when her seven figure book comes out?

How To Hire Madonna To Perform At Your Birthday

aborovitz — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Are you wondering how to make your party a hit? Well, your party is practically guaranteed to be a hit if you can hire an A-list performer, like Madonna, to make an appearance.

Don’t Be Like These Cheap Celebrity Tippers And Other Tips On Tipping

aborovitz — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:35:59 -0400

Tipping as an investment? Does tipping accomplish anything besides assuaging your guilt? And, if so how much must you tip for it to make a difference, for your waiter or maitre d’ to remember you the next time you walk through the door? In this piece, MainStreet gives you tips on tipping.

Cinema Therapy For Those Not In the Mother's Day Mood

mleiman — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:17:27 -0400

Oedipus may not have had so many issues if the DVD existed in ancient Greece. Here are ten movies you probably never dreamed you'd be renting on May 11, but maybe you should.

How To Make Your Home Recession Proof

mleiman — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:28:18 -0400

You may have less to spend on sprucing up your abode, but it is surprising how some elbow grease, and little things like a water leak detection device, can go a long way toward saving you money.

Learn From Money Making Moms

mleiman — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:54:30 -0400

A mother's work is never done, even when she's not an entrepreneur on the side. Find out the secrets of the successful work at home moms, otherwise known as 'Mompreneurs.'

What Rich Homebuyers Like Mariah Don't Need to Know

mleiman — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:40:18 -0500

Mariah Carey reportedly has snapped up a $5 million retreat on a chic island in the Bahamas.

Stars Dance Into New Jobs

mleiman — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 07:27:00 -0500

A full month before their competition begins, the new crew for “Dancing with The Stars,” ABC's hit reality show (DIS), is already practicing their jazz hands for season six. A chance at a new career is an exciting opportunity. However, adjusting a skill set from an old job and making it work for a new one can be a real challenge.

Kate and Justin Merger Moves Markets

mleiman — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:12:00 -0500

Both Timberlake and Hudson are connected to several publicly-traded companies, either through his celebrity endorsements or her film acting roles, and Stockpickr has compiled a sampling of them in The Kate Hudson and Justin Timberlake Celebrity Merger Stock Index.

Celebrity Money Tip: Alt Likes Real Estate

abeals — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:26:27 -0400

According to Celebrity Apprentice firee Carol Alt, real estate's looks don't fade.

Should Your Stripper Past Worry You?

abeals — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:04:31 -0500

Online photos revealed an American Idol's stripper past. How you can make sure your internet fingerprint keeps it clean.

Stage a Career Rebound Like Kathie Lee

mleiman — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:02:58 -0400

Kathie Lee Gifford's transition back to morning television is going smooth so far, but after an eight year hiatus just about any boomer's skill set could use some makeover tips.

Lessons From Jay Leno's Next Career Move

mleiman — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:49:52 -0400

As Jay Leno’s last day looms, the 57-year-old comedian might considers his next gig.

How Will Marriage Impact Beyonce's Career?

abeals — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:17:00 -0400

“For rich or for poor” is a vow many couples exchange, but can getting married actually hurt your career? Or do most couples have an advantage over their single work colleagues?

What Mariah Can Teach You About Career Longevity

mleiman — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Vocal powerhouse Mariah Carey knows about number one albums. Since "Vision of Love" (SNE) released in 1990, the diva’s racked up more number one hits (18) than Elvis (17). But her career hasn’t only been gold—and platinum. Carey hit a serious career slump (remember 2001’s film/album combo disaster Glitter?) and a public divorce, only to come out on top and land back in the spotlight.

How To Return After You Quit

mleiman — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The Law & Order judge and former Tennessee senator has signed with the high-powered Hollywood talent agency William Morris just two months after his withdrawal from the Republican presidential race

Five Best Budget Mother’s Day Gifts For Those Hit By The Recession

mleiman — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:37:06 -0400

You can't put a price tag on your love for mom. Why try on Mother's Day? Discover some inexpensive ways to make mom feel like a million bucks this Sunday.

How To Make the Flashiest Splash in Vegas

mleiman — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:05:10 -0400

Not long ago the typical Vegas swimming pool was dominated by toddlers wearing inflatable floatation devices and teenagers doing cannonballs.

Retailers Want Your Stimulus Check! Here’s a List of Five Big Store Deals

aborovitz — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:22:11 -0400

With any luck, you filed a 2007 tax return and your household will be
one of the 130 million recipients of an economic stimulus check.

Windfall Leads to Big Trouble in No Country For Old Men

mleiman — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:41:19 -0500

Does finders keepers, losers weepers really apply if you find a wad of cash? Well, just look to the Oscar nominated film, No Country for Old Men. After finding a suitcase of cash, Josh Brolin unknowingly begins a deadly game of hide and seek with a psychotic hit man played by Javier Bardem. In real life, though Javier Bardem will not be on your tail, should you find money or even a treasure, you cannot claim it as your own.

How The Tax Stimulus Can Stimulate Your Travel Plans

mleiman — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:20:00 -0400

Consider a family vacation that everyone can enjoy: One paid for by your Uncle Sam.

Your Guide To All Things Kentucky Derby

mleiman — Fri, 02 May 2008 09:09:06 -0400

It’s time for Thoroughbred’s most promising three-year olds to show what they’ve got in the first leg of the Triple Crown on May 3, when Churchill Downs opens its gates for the 134th Kentucky Derby. And while the undefeated Big Brown is this year’s favorite, presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has her eye on Eight Belles, the first filly to run since 1999. “I want everybody to place a little money on the filly,” she told supporters outside her Kentucky state headquarters.

What's The Best Deal Out Of Princeton Review's Dream Colleges?

mleiman — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Imagine getting an acceptance letter and paying for tuition weren’t an issue when it came to college.

Looking For a Student Loan? Try Online

mleiman — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Before some college-bound kids hit the books this fall, they may have to hit the pavement searching for cash.

How To Prepare For a Return To School Like William Hung

mleiman — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:53:00 -0400

Leaving the workplace (and a paycheck) to return to school can be scarier than Hung's Ricky Martin cover. It does not have to be.

What Will Brad and Angie's New Baby Pay for College?

mleiman — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:45:00 -0500

As Jolie’s family continues to expand, so does the future price tag for the education of her babes. While the financial burden may not be the same for Pitt and Jolie as it is for others, it may be worth mentioning to all parents that the cost of tuition is growing at a rate much faster than that of inflation.

College Admissions Coach To the Stars Shares Secrets

mleiman — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

“You’re going to have the most high school graduates in 2009,” says one of America’s highest priced college admissions coaches. “Where are they going to get help?”

Past Top Charity Auction Items

jszathmari — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Jim Cramer gives you his best picks for the hottest items up for bid at charity auctions.

Jim Cramer's Top Charity Auction Items

jszathmari — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:13:05 -0400

Jim Cramer, from TheStreet.com and Mad Money, wants you to raise your paddle (or click your mouse) to raise extra money for charity, and is giving you the inside scoop on the some of the nation's hottest charity items.

What You Need To Know About the Candidates' Economic Plans

mleiman — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:33:49 -0400

Local economies along the campaign trail may get a boom for a few days when a candidate passes through. But what are the candidate's economic plans for the next four years —their differences and their many, many, many similarities?

The Government Wants To Give You Mortgage Aid

mleiman — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Nearly one in ten mortgage owners owes more on that loan then their home is worth. Their numbers may be growing, but help may be on the way soon.

The Smart Way to Use Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

jszathmari — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:30:14 -0500

Learn the smart way to use adjustable-rate mortgages.

Got Money With Bear Stearns? Here's What To Do

mleiman — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Bear Stearns survived the Great Depression, but not the subprime mortgage meltdown. Here's why you should care.

Where the Subprime Mess Has Created Buying Opportunities

abeals — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400

The U.S. housing market is not pretty for homeowners but for those looking to buy a home the meltdown has created opportunity. Check our list of our five top metropolitan areas that you should consider and why.

What Is a Sinkhole and How It Can Suck Your Money

aborovitz — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:18:19 -0400

Sinkholes can bubble up anywhere, even in your backyard. And the one in Texas is big enough to swallow a football field. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself from this underground movement.

No Subprime Meltdowns In These Towns

mleiman — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Looking for a neighborhood with more welcome wagons than "For Sale" signs?

VIDEO: From Wall Street to the Boudoir

mleiman — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:02:11 -0400

Josie Cruz Natori has been a trailblazer in many fields: First on Wall Street, then designing lingerie for the fashion industry.

Valentine's Day Dining, From Luxury to White Castle

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

While many eateries stick with the tried and true on Valentine's Day, a
growing number are showing some real ingenuity, letting the day become
a celebration of culinary daring or promotional savvy. It's all about
recognizing America's growing appetite for all things gourmet and
distinguishing your establishment from the surf-and-turf-obsessed
competition.

Weekend Getaway: Niagara Falls

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

When you consider that there are few natural wonders left unpaved or
unfenced in this country, these thundering falls are even more
impressive. Niagara won't disappoint, whether taken in from the
American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, or the Bridal Veil Falls (it's
actually three separate waterfalls).

Weekend Getaway: Seattle

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Make a list of cities you'd like to visit this fall and Seattle may not top your survey -- but it should.

In fact, a weekend in this gem (officially nicknamed the
Emerald City, thanks to its evergreen surroundings) will be just the
beginning of an inevitable infatuation.

A Wine-Tasting Celebration

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

When you are the host, that can be intimidating. While many would
simply pick a bottle of red and a bottle of white and let the corks
fall where they may, I was very focused on the setting, the mood and
the enjoyment of guests. And, knowing how wine brings me pleasure, I
wanted to extend that enjoyment to my other pals at the table.

The Good Life: Rice Wine Is Mighty Fine

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

There's no such thing as a bad sake.

So said the late Takao Nihei, the man who revived sake-brewing
in the U.S. following WWII. And judging by their enthusiastic
reactions, none of the attendees at last month's Joy of Sake extravaganza in New York City looked ready to argue with Nihei's declaration.

Higher Ed for the Palate

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

If San Francisco is heaven for foodies, the California Culinary Academy (CCA) just might be the pearly gates.

Acquired by Career Education Corp. (CECO)
in 2000 and one of just 10 Le Cordon Bleu-certified schools in North
America, the academy has been producing some of the world's great chefs
and bakers since its founding in 1977. CCA alumni include Juan Carlos
Cruz, host of The Food Network's Calorie Commando, and Claud Mann, host of Turner Broadcasting's Dinner and a Movie.

Hot Spots of California Wine Country

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Nothing is more satisfying than pulling a bottle of wine off a rack
that brings back fond memories of a trip to Napa or Sonoma, California
or even more off-the-beaten-path locations like the wineries of
Virginia and Hawaii. A tug of the cork releases not only the wine's
aroma but also fond recollections of trips through vineyards and
tasting rooms.

If you're a newcomer to the experience, a trip to any wine
country can be overwhelming. With that in mind, here's a list of
don't-miss travel spots in California:

Wine Spectator Online's Daily Wine Picks

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Back by popular demand, Wine Spectator Online brings another diverse round of outstanding wine picks.

Here you'll find a perfect bottle for even the most discerning
tastes, including a couple of well-priced sparklers to ring in the
holiday season in style.

News Round Up

mleiman — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:06:41 -0400

MainStreet’s “News Roundup” section is about keeping you in the know—or, more accurately, what MainStreet considers in the know.

So…for what’s happening with Mariah Carey's, Madonna, and Liv Tyler, read on!

Daily Pulse: What You Are Searching For Now?

abeals — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:18:13 -0400

Upgrade Mom's Breakfast In Bed: Make Crepes

aborovitz — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:15:00 -0400

Mom deserves breakfast in bed, and this simple recipe will make it an event to remember.

Turn Your Rec. Room Into The Hard Rock Café

aborovitz — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Collecting pieces of rock 'n roll history may not be easy or cheap, but it's definitely worth it once you have them in hand.

Video: A Tale Of Two Sharp Dressed Men

aborovitz — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:09:14 -0400

Though Wall Street’s a Town Car ride away from Fashion Ave, how you look still is on the top of everyone’s mind.

The Gift of Wine Brings Holiday Cheer

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

'Twas the night before Christmas and, oops, I realized I was short three gifts for friends and neighbors.

Well, no worries, a quick trip to your local wine merchant will always
provide an array of quick gift ideas that are sure to please most
adults. And, similar to other retailers, wine stores are hoping to make
their budgets with big boosts from holiday sales. So, at a good wine
shop you are likely to find an extremely helpful salesperson as well as
some really cheerful deals on certain products.

Five Best Reds Under $10

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

It also becomes clear, after you try several bottles -- and
consequently, pile more years onto your life span -- that there is an
abundance of good affordable reds.

And unlike our past hunt
for the great cheap whites which ventured well outside the common
categories, a successful red search can stay well within the famous
wine regions of the world.

The Great White Hope in Wine

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

While many newcomers to the vineyards are intimidated by the price of a
bottle of wine, the worry is often misguided. In fact, some of the
savviest connoisseurs I know have come to appreciate value more than
price and "cheap finds" more than the "expensive gems" when it comes to
wine.

Winemakers' Hangover Means You Can Buy Great Wines for a Lot Less

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Don't let those hoity-toity winemakers fool you with a triple-digit
price tag on a bottle of old grapes. They may not act like it, but this
economic hangover has them over a barrel, too. This, friends, is a
buyer's market: Now's the best time in years to get your hands on some
high-caliber wines for a lot less.

New Celeb-Chef Eateries: Eat, Drink and Be Schmancy

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

They're some of the hottest names on the social circuit -- celebrity
chefs. They probably didn't get where they are by sitting back and
relaxing, so why not open a new restaurant? Here are some of the most
exciting new restaurants being opened by celebrity chefs.

A Brand to Drink To

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Ketel One, Grey Goose, Vox and Belvedere: You're fired. Trump Vodka, you're hired.
At least that's what Donald Trump is hoping for with his foray into
the liquor business. He recently launched Trump Vodka in October 2006,
and it's taking off.

Passion Play

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

This year, high-income families will place 22% of their assets in these
alternative investments, according to Capgemini and Merrill Lynch, up
from 10% in 2002. Experts say the appeal is both monetary and
emotional. "Psychologically, you don't get that attached to bonds and
shares," says Mahesh Kumar, author of Wine Investment for Portfolio Diversification.
"But a 1982 Chateau Margaux -- people take pride in that." Investing in
a Jeff Koons or a cabernet can be a gamble, however, so be sure to
research and diversify.

What's Hot Now: A Wine Cellar in Your Home

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

But today, the home-entertainment system is as common a luxury as an
iPod. Now a new breed of specialty room -- the wine cellar -- is fast
on its way to becoming the next standard in luxury real estate, says
Jim Donald, president of Tuscan Wine Cellars. He estimates that nine out of 10 homes in the high-end areas of most cities have them.

Argentinean Wineries a Smashing-Good Time

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

This is Mendoza, an arid province 600 miles northwest of Buenos Aires
and just east of the Andes, whose snowmelt makes Argentina's wine
industry possible. Malbec, a transplant from France, is the reigning
grape, grown mainly in the foothills of the Andes at elevations of
3,000 to 5,000 feet. The Malbec grape is the source of robust but
softly finished, inky-purple wines -- a perfect match for hearty
Argentine beef.

In the Heart of the Wine Harvest

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Harvest is the most thrilling time to visit wine country, and you don't have to be a winemaker to be part of the buzz.

From Napa to New York, anyone can help winery crews in the
vineyard or the winery, from picking and sorting grapes to blending and
tasting the wines as they go into barrel.

Wind Your Way Through California's Back Roads

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Spectacular natural scenery, low-key wineries, intimate inns,
first-rate restaurants, easy hiking trails: Northern California's
Anderson Valley and Mendocino coast have all the makings of a relaxing
getaway.

Wine Spectator's Guide to Buying Futures

akilkenny — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Buying futures is a lot like buying commodities, with cash laid down
now for later delivery of something that doesn't yet exist as a
finished product.

Unlike pork bellies, however, wine futures buyers must wait a
relatively long time for their purchase, typically up to two years if
the futures are bought soon after they are first offered.

The motivation for getting in on futures action is twofold.