Copyright 2008 The New York Sun Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:35:45 -0400 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Elisa Mala :: Stories from The New York Sun http://www.nysun.com/authors/Elisa+Mala istoll@nysun.com (Ira Stoll) webmaster@nysun.com en-us ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/travel/beauty-on-board/51187/ Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST The ban on liquids notwithstanding, the preservative-free skin-care line Boscia has created a portable beauty pack worth stowing away on the next plane trip. The "Passport to Beauty" travel kit is packaged in a plain but durable plastic case and covers all of the basic skin-care needs. Those with more problematic skin may require a stronger cleanser, but with a light chamomile scent and a milky texture, the Soothing Cleansing Cream delivers exactly what it promises. And to stave off the... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/style/pretty-papers/45924/ Tue, 2 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST The most important piece of paper this season isn't a shiny sheet of wrapping paper, a glittery holiday card, or even a jaw-dropping credit card bill: It's a thank-you note. "Proper etiquette will always require a thank-you note," the founder of the custom stationer Advantages, Fran Biderman-Gross, said. Unlike the rules of decorum, options for stationery are plenty. Details like heavy stock, hand-lined envelopes, unusual patterns, and intricate printing techniques can give notes a personal... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/style/razors-edge/45014/ Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST For men, shaving in dry winter air can be tricky. The key is the right technique — and the right tools. "The keys to a close shave are the technique and the tools," the fashion editor of Details magazine, Matthew Edelstein, said. The first thing to touch the skin should be warm water. "Always shave after a hot shower," Mr. Edelstein said. "The hot water opens your pores and softens the whiskers on your face, preparing them for an easier shave." Next, exfoliate the skin with a mild scrub... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/gift-guide/glossy-books-great-gifts/44319/ Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST The books presented here were selected for their engaging visuals, thought-provoking text, and passion for the subject matter. They're worth giving as gifts that will be gazed upon —and even read — time and time again. SPECTACLE By David Rockwell with Bruce Mau, Phaidon, 255 pages, $49.95. Architect David Rockwell doesn't just think big — he thinks spectacular. For his book "Spectacle," Mr. Rockwell collected photographs and practical information about the world's biggest events, whether it's... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/style/shop-box-2006-11-28/44208/ Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST Miu Miu, Luca Luca, Bulgari, and Prada are among the more than 80 shops located along Madison Avenue between 57th and 86th streets that will donate 20% of every purchase made on Sunday to the Children's Aid Society. Those exhausted by the shopping can stop by the Clarins Skin Spa tent for a treatment or see a 2:30 p.m. performance by the Loston Harris Trio in the Hospitality Tent. The Children's Aid Society provides services and afterschool programs for at-risk youth. Sunday, December 3, all... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/real-estate/luxury-buildings-crave-high-end-brand-alliances/43952/ Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST When real estate tycoon Joseph Moinian needed a business partner, he didn't turn to a prominent architect or cutting-edge engineer. Instead, he chose the unlikeliest of allies: American Express. The Moinian Group, the real estate development firm of which Mr. Moinian is president and chief executive officer, announced in September a groundbreaking deal with the financial conglomerate. Apartment buyers at Atelier, the Moinian Group's residential condominium, can use American Express cards for... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/arts/theatrical-ephemera-preserved/43797/ Mon, 20 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST "'Treasures' is a very subjective word," the curator of the Billy Rose Theatre Division of the New York Public Library, Robert Taylor, said. But even the harshest of critics would be hard-pressed not to find a treasure within the trove of the "Stars and Treasures" exhibit, which opens tomorrow at the NYPL, where over 300 items and clips from 30 different theater productions are available for viewing. Upon entry to the exhibit, which is arranged in six thematic sections and features a... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/real-estate/cough-up-some-green-when-building-green/43663/ Thu, 16 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST What goes around comes around. That's the idea behind so-called sustainable architecture, or "green" buildings, as they are commonly known, but only part of that theory has to do with recycling. According to industry members involved with such pet projects, one of the most important benefits of being environmentally friendly is an immediate improvement in life quality. "It's really a high standard, even if you go beyond the green issues," the principal of the architectural firm Pelli Clarke... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/on-the-town/society-desk-2006-11-09/43198/ Thu, 9 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST WELCOME BACK Lenox Hill Hospital's Autumn Ball is music to the ears of its staff and board members, as it raises more than $2 million for the 652-bed acute care facility on the Upper East Side. At this year's event on Monday night, the music will be especially sweet. The gala honors the beloved maestro James Levine. Mr. Levine came to Lenox Hill for orthopedic surgery after he tore three tendons in his right shoulder in an onstage fall on March 1. The stakes were high: If the shoulder did not... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/food-drink/best-thing-right-now-2006-11-08/43086/ Wed, 8 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST The New York Chocolate Show kicks off tomorrow evening with a fashion show featuring designers including Heatherette, Abaete, and Alice Roi, each partnered with pastry chefs and chocolatiers to create a cocoa-based ensemble. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the public is invited to the Chocolate Show itself, which offers 40,000 square feet of sweets. New York representatives include Peanut Butter & Co., Alison Nelson's Chocolate Bar, and Tribeca Treats. Chocolatour's treats hail from... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/style/shop-box-2006-11-07/42996/ Tue, 7 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST E.D.E. Studio offers its once-ayear sample sale tomorrow. The handmade leather and suede bags, which are sold at Barneys New York and other stores, will be available at a 30%–70% discount. Originally $264, the teal leather zipper clutch will be reduced to $105, while the Greatest Diaper Bag will be reduced to $190 from $495. Tomorrow, 6–9 p.m., Surrey Hotel, 20 E. 78th St., between Fifth and Madison avenues, 212-288-3700. At the Lucky Shops event, wares from Rebecca Taylor, Rock & Republic... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/real-estate/new-broker-gimmick-throw-a-party-sell-the-place/42304/ Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST The booze at the open bar pours out faster than the music from the loudspeakers. Even the simplest items on the menu have impossible-to-pronounce names. And those are just the hors d'oeuvres. Go ahead, be bold and stroll around the room — if movement is even a remote possibility. You might bump into Calvin Klein, John Legend, or the A-list celebrity of the moment. This is the place to be tonight, but only for tonight. Much like Cinderella's inevitable transformation, at the end of the ball, the... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/on-the-town/society-desk-2006-10-25/42269/ Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST MASTERS OF DISGUISE The most anticipated moment of Central Park Conservancy's annual Halloween Ball tonight might be the competition for best costume. Guests have been preparing for weeks — even months — for the contest, taking inspiration from current events, Hollywood, and their own fantasies. The time investment could be worth it for a lucky winner: The first prize is a Cartier Tank Solo Watch ($1,900 and up). "I definitely look for cleverness," a two-time contest judge and celebrity... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/on-the-town/dancing-through-the-centuries/42009/ Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST Without a single note of music or an elaborate costume in sight, dance fills the Vincent Astor Gallery, at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, where "500 Years of Italian Dance: Treasures From the Cia Fornaroli Collection" is on display. Arranged in four chronological sections, the exhibit features lithographs, etchings, rare manuscripts, and other memorabilia dating to the mid-16th century. The pieces showcase the Italian rise to global renown and pay tribute to the luminaries... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/real-estate/thomas-crapper-would-be-proud/41868/ Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST Once a mere outhouse, the bathroom has become one of the most important rooms in the home — for reasons you normally wouldn't expect. "It's like people want to live in the bathroom," a senior vice president for Halstead Property, Brian Lewis, said. He is also the host of two HGTV shows, "My Home is Worth What?" and "National Open House." The fascination may be more of a financial than a personal one. "If you have a really ugly bathroom, it can take down the value of your property," interior... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/on-the-town/gala-night-at-carnegie-hall/41109/ Fri, 6 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, and don't get an inflamed vocal chord. It was a lesson that German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff learned Wednesday, when inflammation of one of his vocal chords prevented him from performing at the opening night gala of Carnegie Hall's 116th season. Dorothea Röschmann, on loan from the Metropolitan Opera and given about eight hours' notice, performed in his place. Instead of the scheduled selections from Mahler's "Des Knaben Wunderhorn,"... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/style/shop-box-2006-10-03/40765/ Tue, 3 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST Offerings from Kate Spade, Lacoste, Penhaligon's London, and others will be up to 65% off today as New York magazine hosts its first Best Bets shopping event. Featuring the clothing, shoes, handbags, and home accessories that are profiled in the magazine's Best Bets section, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Fund for Public Schools. While poring through the racks, shoppers can enjoy hot chocolate and pretzel croissants from the City Bakery. To purchase tickets, go to www.nymag... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/style/luxury-made-in-china/40785/ Tue, 3 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST After expanding to America and opening its flagship boutique on Fifth Avenue in December 2005, the Hong Kong–based luxury brand Blanc de Chine has another surprise for New Yorkers: a new accessories line. The 10-piece collection, which includes brooches, pins, and rings, will be on store shelves later this month. The centerpiece of the debut collection is the "Madagascar" evening bag ($4,000) adorned with a tassel pull, floral ornaments, and simulated diamonds, a high-end version of cubic... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/on-the-town/celebrating-gilda-radners-legacy/40686/ Mon, 2 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST As celebrities milled about the DKNY store on Madison Avenue last Thursday for the Gilda's Club Young Leadership Council benefit, attendees had plenty of opportunities to have a good time, including the chance to indulge in a 20 percent discount on every item in the store. Yet while the event catered to the general public, its goal was to provide services to a more specific group of people: cancer patients and their families. The organization was founded by psychotherapist Joanna Bull in memory... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/on-the-town/street-fte-for-a-cause/40662/ Fri, 29 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST What does it take to pitch a carnival tent in the middle of a city block? Three things: Mayor Bloomberg, New York Post columnist Liz Smith, and the third annual Fęte de Swifty's, which took place Monday on the Upper East Side. "We thought that it might be nice to do an event for the city," the co-owner of Swifty's restaurant, Robert Caravaggi, said. Amid stiltwalkers, a wax figure of Elton John circa 1970, mini-hamburger hors d'oeuvres, and an umbrella-covered ice-cream stand, the fete raised... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/real-estate/futuristic-appliances-await-those-who-can-afford/40563/ Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST Summertime may make for easy living, but some designers hope to make that a reality year-round, judging from products unveiled at a recent meeting of the Luxury Home Alliance, an association of interior home designers. With three pushes of a button, it's possible to reveal a television set embedded inside an ordinary-looking mirror, turn on a set of invisible loudspeakers, and even have an espresso machine clean itself. In an era where gadgets that haven't yet been released can still be two... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/food-drink/and-the-kitchen-sink/40475/ Wed, 27 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST Upon arrival at Room Service, a hotel-themed restaurant opening October 16, guests are escorted by concierge to one of nine private rooms. A personal bartender or butler serves them as they order from a contemporary American menu and dine in perfect solitude. Given 24 hours' notice and a service fee — the price has not yet been set — patrons may order any off-the-menu item from any restaurant in town. Welcome to the restaurant that claims it can fulfill guests' every whim. "If you want a whole... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/style/stingray-chic/40298/ Tue, 26 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST In the marine world, stingrays lurk beneath the water. In fashion, however, they're rising to the surface. This season, stingray skin adorns everything from shoes to handbags and even tabletops, counting Manolo Blahnik and Salvatore Ferragamo among its users. Known as galuchat by the French and the fashion industry, stingray most closely resembles snakeskin in appearance, but has a texture all of its own. "Many designers are using this material to add an element of luxury to their designs," the... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/new-york/thank-you-mr-president/39431/ Mon, 11 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST One day shy of the fifth anniversary of September 11, 2001, thousands gathered at ground zero while President Bush attended a commemorative ceremony. Paying tribute to the perished may have been part of the plan, but for many, there was another item on the agenda: protesting against the administration. A reporter joined the protesters, holding with a makeshift sign that read, "THANK YOU, Mr. President." The photographer who accompanied was somewhat concerned about safety, but the reporter... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/style/apple-a-day/39059/ Tue, 5 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST The overachiever of the fruit world has another item to add its resume, and just in time for the first day of school: fashion icon. Apples appear on everything from jeans to perfumes to jewelry this season. "Every single designer is catching onto the apple theme," the co-founder of the fashion and beauty Web site www.topbutton.com, Dianna Feldman, said. "I think it was just the thing of the moment." Some designers have even gone so far as to devote entire fashion lines to the fruit. Rapper... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/style/shop-box-2006-09-05/39095/ Tue, 5 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST The Housing Works Thrift Shop fall preview sale benefits the HIV/AIDS community in New York. Gucci sterling cuff links are $100 and Manolo Blahnik shoes are $75 at this three-day event. $10 donation for entry. Thursday, 5–8 p.m., 143 W. 17th St., between Sixth and Seventh avenues, 212-366-0820; Tuesday, September 12, 306 Columbus Ave., between 74th and 75th streets, 212-579-7566; Thursday, September 14, 157 E. 23rd St., between Third and Lexington avenues, 212-529-5955. For a one-stop shop for... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/business/carver-bancorp-to-gain-from-harlem-housing-market/37996/ Wed, 16 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST WILLIAM MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM CEO & SOCIAL INVESTMENT ADVISER CREATIVE INVESTMENT RESEARCH COMPANY: Carver Bancorp Inc. TICKER: CNY (AMEX) PRICE: $16.77 52-WEEK RANGE: $15.00–$18.12 MARKET CAPITALIZATION: $43.79 million William Michael Cunningham is CEO and Social Investment Adviser at Creative Investment Research, Inc.,a socially responsible investment research and management firm founded in 1989. Carver Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for Carver Federal Savings Bank, a federally... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/food-drink/best-thing-right-now-2006-08-16/38022/ Wed, 16 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST Bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan, has long been available in the city in sickly sweet coconut, strawberry or mango versions. But those who really love the beverage, with its syrupy tang and black tapioca pearls, should head to Teariffic. Rather than infuse the tea with a single fruity note, as most purveyors do, the café offers a menu of more complex concoctions ($2.45 and up). Reminiscent of sweet lemonade, the Blue Coral is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The mix of... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/arts/party-all-the-time-in-museums/37737/ Fri, 11 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST Sure, New York empties out this time of year. But there's more to summer in the city than hanging out at a faux beach in Queens. The last gasp of August can be enjoyed at the many free museum parties that mix art with music, drinks, and socializing — all in their own fashion. With so many parties on offer, flitting from one bash to the next is only a matter of scheduling. With two soirees happening at opposite ends of town, Friday nights are a social-calendar dilemma. On the Upper East Side... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/on-the-town/hamptons-princesses-race-to-victory/37658/ Thu, 10 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST "All you need to make a film is a girl and a gun,"director Jean Luc Godard famously once said, and apparently, all you need for the Hamptons Princess Race is a girl, a car, and lots of athletic skill. At least 20 teams, each consisting of two women, will participate in this daylong competition, which is being held today at various locations, including the Bridgehampton Historical Society. The event is a benefit for the nonprofit organization Innocence in Danger, and sports activities run the... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/on-the-town/pokmons-birthday/37497/ Tue, 8 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST The children's television show and video game Pokémon marks its 10th anniversary this month, and fans will be celebrating the "pocket monsters" today at the Pokémon Party of the Decade at Bryant Park. Whether onstage at a live show, on paper at coloring booths, or on screen at an exclusive preview of the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon video game, the little critters will abound at this birthday celebration. Supporters of the phenomenon include Mayor Bloomberg, who has declared today "Pokémon Day"... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/business/tata-steers-indias-emerging-auto-market/37254/ Thu, 3 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST ROBERT KLEINSCHMIDT PRESIDENT AND CIO PORTFOLIO MANAGER TOCQUEVILLE ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY: Tata Motors, Inc. TICKER: TTM (NYSE) PRICE: $16.31 52 WEEK RANGE: $10.27–$21.99 MARKET CAPITALIZATION: $6.197 billion Robert Kleinschmidt is the president and chief investment officer at Tocqueville Asset Management. He is also the portfolio manager of the Tocqueville Fund, which ranked no. 1 for five-year returns by the leading research firm Morningstar. Mr. Kleinschmidt spoke to Elisa Mala of The New... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/style/shop-box-2006-08-01/37113/ Tue, 1 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST East coast meets West coast as Hollywould presents its end-of-season and sample sale. Prices for clothes, shoes, and handbags will be reduced 60% to 80% and one-of-a-kind samples in a variety of sizes will start at $25. Tryons are permitted for shoes only. August 10–12, 11:30 a.m.–7 p.m., Hollywould, 210 Elizabeth Street, between Prince and Spring streets, second floor, 212-343-8344, www.ilovehollywould.com. Fashionistas looking to add a trendy piece (or 10) to their wardrobe can check out... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/business/sprinting-past-competition/36854/ Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EST DAVID WEISSMAN, CFA SENIOR TELECOM ANALYST ZACKS INVESTMENT RESEARCH TICKER: S (NYSE) 52-WEEK RANGE: 18.96–24.67 MARKET CAPITALIZATION: $56.65 billion PRICE: $19.67 David Weissman is the senior telecom analyst at Zacks Investment Research, the second largest provider of independent equity research in America. Though the telecom sector has been out of favor, Mr. Weissman spoke to Elisa Mala of The New York Sun about why this particular company is poised to sprint past the competition. What does... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/business/isca-gets-the-checkered-flag/36511/ Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EST DAVID MARSH SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FRIEDMAN BILLINGS RAMSEY COMPANY: International Speedway Corporation TICKER: ISCA PRICE: $44.39 52-WEEK RANGE: 43.48–60.15 MARKET CAPITALIZATION: $2.36 billion David Marsh is the senior entertainment analyst and a senior vice president at Friedman Billings Ramsey, a top-ten investment bank with $1 billion in revenues in 2005. International Speedway Corporation is based in Daytona Beach, Fla. Mr. Marsh spoke to Elisa Mala of The New York Sun about why this... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/business/archer-daniels-may-weather-the-storm/36273/ Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EST FRANK JAMES CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER JAMES INVESTMENT RESEARCH, INC. COMPANY: Archer Daniels Midland Co. TICKER: ADM (NYSE) PRICE: $41.06 52-WEEK RANGE: $19.75–$46.71 MARKET CAPITALIZATION: $26.8 billion Frank James is the chairman and chief investment officer of James Investment Research, Inc. The company oversees the James Advantage Funds, whose Small Cap Fund and Golden Rainbow Fund earned five-star ratings from the leading research firm Morningstar. Mr. James, who predicts... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/business/danone-looks-to-capitalize-on-a-health-conscious/36003/ Thu, 13 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EST KEVIN DREYER RESEARCH ANALYST, GAMCO GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY GABELLI & COMPANY, INC. COMPANY: Groupe Danone TICKER: DA (NYSE) PRICE: $ 26.50 52-WEEK RANGE: $27.50–$18.78 MARKET CAPITALIZATION: $32.4 billion Kevin Dreyer is a food and beverage research analyst and an associate portfolio manager of the GAMCO Global Opportunity Fund at Gabelli & Company, Inc. Groupe Danone is based in Paris, France, and employs 89,449 people. At the recommendation of GAMCO CEO Mario Gabelli, who called the... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/style/wrapped-in-luxury/27878/ Tue, 21 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST When curling up for a little relaxation, nothing beats a blanket of luxurious fabric. Whether your preference is for cashmere, faux fur, or silk, blankets from Blanc de Chine (673 Fifth Ave. at 53rd Street, 212-308-8688) offer the comfort needed to make it until the days when blankets are optional. Named after white Chinese porcelain from the 18th century, Blanc de Chine is a Hong Kong-based fashion retailer that also offers home furnishings. Its sumptuous line includes blankets of leather... ELISA MALA http://www.nysun.com/new-york/habitat-helpers-work-through-rain-and-frost/25972/ Tue, 17 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST Neither the frostiest of temperatures nor the heaviest of rainfalls were able to dampen the spirits of about 100 Habitat for Humanity volunteers who over the weekend began renovating an empty Mott Haven building that lacks a roof, windows, and floor sections. The five-story edifice, located at 703 E. 156th St. and once owned by the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development, was sold to the Habitat for Humanity for $1, a spokeswoman for the organization, Beverly Cheuvront, said...