green living, smart spending
The former Astor estate in where the Chelsea Clinton wedding took place, is just one of the fabulous millionaire mansions in the Hudson Valley around Rhinebeck, which was founded in 1686 by Dutch settlers. Mansions and smaller estates built or owned by familes named Vanderbilt, Roosevelt, the artists who founded the Hudson River School of
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It will take a while for Rhinebeck, New York, to return to normal, now that it’s been in the world spotlight for the wedding of Chelsea Clinton to Mark Mezvinsky. But Rhinebeck has been around since the 1600s, and it will survive, and will return to being a charming, tranquil place that welcomes visitors. Rhinebeck’s
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The new InterContinental New York Times Square Hotel is the largest hotel in New York City to achieve LEED certification, as well as the largest new hotel in The Big Apple to open since 2002. The 36-story, 607 room hotel is a shining example of eco-friendly green luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in the view —
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Small cars are back in style, thanks to gas prices that peaked at $4 per gallon last year, and the additional power, style and comfort manufacturers have been able to pack into new models like the Ford Fiesta and Audi A3 TDI clean diesel, named Green Car of the Year by the Detroit News. Perhaps
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Gas prices are down substantially from last year, and you can buy great new car for under $20,000, but owning and maintaining a vehicle is still expensive. These websites will help you save green — dollars, that is — with whatever you drive in 2010. Repairs — Check Repairpal.com to find out what the job
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The W San Francisco makes history by earning the first LEED certification for an existing building belonging to a major hotel chain, and only the seventh hotel in the United States to earn the LEED Silver rating. The W San Francisco is also certified by the state of California as a green business. This is
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If you have been planning to get a U.S. Passport, or renew one, act fast. U.S. Passport fees increase dramatically on July 13, 2010. The cost of a new passport jumps from $100 to $135. Renewing your existing passport will rocket from $75 to $110, a 47 percent increase. Charges for a minor to age
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Get behind the wheel of a legendary Ferrari and drive the famous Corniche road of the French Riviera in Monaco. Yes, you can do it. A company called Monaco Auction is offering four different great drive choices on this curving, scenic road that is the perfect place to let a roadster stretch its legs and
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The good guys are volunteering and working overtime to undo the damage of the BP oil spill, the worst environmental disaster US history. Beware of frauds. The bad guys are out there scamming instead of skimming. Job Scams — One fraud is asking you to pay up front for a job helping clean up
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There are discounts galore from airlines and hotels. Act fast, since these travel bargains don’t last forever. AirTran Airways has a getaway sale valid for travel on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. You have to book your flights by July 8, 2010, but you can travel through November 16, 2010. Sample fares are $114 each
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