I recently attended a New York event hosted by Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) announcing their link with Faberge. I think the message was… if you are into luxury this is your cruise line. Faberge Brand is Provocative The House of Faberge is controversial. In 1885 the brand’s name was equated with both opulence and scandal. While the […]
Live long and look fabulous
Before digging the co-op money pit
If you decided that a co-op apartment is worth the effort, review (with your accountant and attorney) the following documents, and remember: Look Before Leaping Off the Cliff 1. Capital plan for the building 2. Capital improvements (past history and future plans including cost estimates and time frame) 3. Mortgage for the building (what are […]
Co-ops: Where your money goes
A co-op maintenance fee combines property taxes and common charges into one convenient (or inconvenient?) monthly payment. Maintenance Usually included in this charge are salaries for personnel, building safety, security and sanitation, and planned capital improvements. Remember you own shares in a building and the entire building receives the property tax bill not the individual […]
Selling a Co-op? Good luck!
Co-ops in crises
Many co-op buildings have been inadequately managed for years, and facades are breaking down thanks to extreme weather and irresponsible use. Aging Infrastructure The glaze on the bricks have become less water-repellent, especially around the windows and mortared lintels on the north corners allow seepage creating water problems. The risers carrying water to the top […]
New York City: Nice place to visit but… Really want to live here?
You cannot stop talking about the wonderful business meeting/holiday/anniversary party you scheduled in Manhattan. Moving on UP You loved the energy, the quickness of pedestrian steps, the boundless shopping, totally ignoring the exorbitant prices, homeless sleeping on the streets, motor bikes careening on the sidewalks, and hazards of…just about everything. Disregarding the armed security personnel […]
Barbados Food and Rum Festival: Feed the Future
The theme of this year’s Barbados Food and Rum Festival which runs from October 27-30, 2022, is “Feed the Future.” Here’s what the theme “Feed the Future” means to Barbados: How will Barbados Feed the Future? Barbados is committed to ensuring the ongoing development of Barbadian culinary talent. That’s why funds are being raised from part […]
Italian wines triumph in the US, UK and Germany
The General Manager of Your Hotel is a Narcissist. The Dark Triad
The Dark Triad Personality Traits (DTP) includes Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Narcissism demonstrated by three behaviors. . You really like your colleagues; your guests are terrific and tip generously; the hotel is beautiful and while you would like a larger paycheck, the real reason you are unhappy and want to quit is that your General Manager […]