This clip combines two of my favorite things: Ben Stein and CBS Sunday morning.

Best line, "We are not immune to arithmetic."

Ben Stein for president!

This Is How We Roll: Skating At The Highline!

Just when I thought New York City couldn't be more fun, The Highline installs a roller rink. Erin C. and I checked it out today and not only is there is a rink, it's flanked by a Biergarten. Hallelujah, urban development.

It was free this weekend but $12 per person from now on. Totally worth it.

The rink and The Highline


Portrait of a serious skater.


Special rollerskating socks. $2 at The Highline.

Seen yesterday at the synogogue on East 79th Street and Second Avenue.

It reminds me of a quote from Dana Vachon's novel Mergers and Acquisitions that I mention all the time, "We ask too much of God and too little of ourselves."

This is an amazing piece of journalism on so many levels. Totally worth the time to read it, especially if you are any sort of reality television fan.

Meet the Original JWoww and Snooki, Would-Be Stars of Bridge & Tunnel

Today was turning out to be a real snooze until I got an e-mail to check out this four bedroom penthouse over on East 57th Street.

Full floor and every room has floor to ceiling windows. Eat-in kitchen, two balconies and the biggest living room I've ever seen. Triple exposures.

Full specs here.



And me, on one of the two balconies, trying to get a shot of the amazing view. I bet it's even better at night.

Algorithms For Fun And Profit

This is cool.

102 Degrees In Murray Hill!

Vote For My Friend Jason In The Small, Cool Kitchens Contest!

My friend Jason is one of the few New Yorkers I know who actually uses his kitchen. He cooks meals, invites people over, and is into all stripes of domesticity.

Please vote for his kitchen here.

You may remember the story of his charming, Chelsea studio in this New York Times story.

It's wedding season, and I'm only going to one this summer, which is a shame. I love weddings. I guess I need to find more single friends.

This song, Perpetuum Mobile, has become popular lately because it was on the Little Miss Sunshine soundtrack a few years ago. I began to wonder if it's been making an appearance in wedding ceremonies, since it has that torchy, yet whimsical feel to it. Would love feedback from anyone. Is it replacing Pachabel's Canon in D as cliche wedding song? It could be a contender.

Bad To The Bone

Andre Hopped on a bike today, originally uploaded by thomasr9.

Good Advice For All

Seen on a loose leaf binder.

SJP, On Why She Stays In Manhattan.

This month's issue of Vogue has a great profile of Sarah Jessica Parker. It covers a lot of ground, but she nailed it when she explained why she stays in New York City -- with three small children.

"I can't imagine living in seclusion. We flirted with it. We went outside the city and troubled all these Realtors and stood in these homes and fantasized and then I kept picturing nine o'clock...The beautiful thing about New York, is that you have to expose yourself to other people the minute you step outside the door. There is no choice. And I love that."


It's not that the suburbs aren't pretty and spacious with lots of nice people. When night falls what are you supposed to do with yourself? Watch Dancing With The Stars? Eat?

In one paragraph she explained why people stay in Manhattan and deal with space issues, expensive everything and the crowds. It's because we need it. People who are meant to be in the 'burbs wash out early. The rest of us armadillos stay, because there isn't anywhere else we'd thrive.

New Huffington Post Piece

I'm at it again over on The Huffington Post, with a piece that explains why the vacancy rate in Manattah has tightened up and why rents have gone up more than most expected this year.

Three Reasons Why Vacancy Is Tight in Manhattan and Rents Are Higher

I Love It When I'm Right, Which Is Often

Back in January, I wrote a piece for The Huffington Post about how, from my perch in the trenches on Manhattan real estate, it seemed as if the rental market was changing -- rents were higher, there were fewer incentives for tenants, etc. Most of my clients this past winter were relocating to the city with well-paid jobs. Many were frustrated by the lack of no-fee apartments, or that the owner wouldn't throw in a free month of rent.

Is A Warming Rental Market A Sign Of A Better Economy

Today, the New York Post had a piece about how, in fact, according to real numbers, there is less inventory and rent is higher.

The Rent's High? Too Damn Bad

And the Wall Street Journal, last week.

Manhattan Rents on the Rise

If you haven't already read the New Yorker piece about Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, you absolutely must.

Last Night, At The Caliente Cab

It was a gorgeous night in Gotham yesterday, and so I decemped to the West Village for some margs with the ladies -- and John, The Monsignor.

The Monsignor mans up and orders a banana marg.


Late night, at Village Pizza.

Inside a lovely limestone building on 75th Street and Fifth Avenue this afternoon. Marble lobby, original mosaic tile floors and cast iron doors. Gilded age detail everywhere. A one bed going for $4300. Oddly, I have three apartments available on this one block, literally steps from Central Park.

I can't go to this this year (I am teaching a class) but tickets can be purchased here.

Two Bedroom With 1,000 Square Foot Terrace. This Really Exists

I woke up bright and early this morning to get great shots of this two bedroom with a 1,000 square foot terrace. East 40s, doorman, elevator and pets are OK. It faces South, East and North with an emormous, south-facing living room. Available immediately. Full listing here.

A Few From The Weekend

Fourth of July in Connecticut included an 80th birthday party and some lounging in a real suburban pool. With hot tub, of course.

Arriving in style in Connecticut. I love how the cabs at the Greenwich train station are clean, Lincoln town cars. No rickety Crown Victorias.


Ma famille -- everyone pretend to be normal!


With pool, it's all about technique.


Rack 'em up.


You know we had some impromptu Dixieland after lunch.




Everyone huddles around an iPad -- not a board game.


Fresh Air Fund Kids -- July 2011


The way to spend a holiday weekend.

A Happy Fourth Of July Was Had!

In front of a tree with cake, originally uploaded by La Pauline.

Recap coming soon!

I Think Everyone Has Left Manhattan By Now

I have one client this morning but it seems as if everyone started emptying out last night. The East River Park was a ghost town during my evening run.

Even after 12 years in Manhattan. I'm always amazed by how the city empties out on holiday weekend.