New York Life Insurance Co Review

New York Life Insurance Company is a Fortune 100 company and the oldest and one of the largest mutual life insurance companies in America. New York Life maintains operations in all 50 states and several markets in Asia and Latin America through a network of more than 17,000 employees and more than 60,000 licensed agents. The Company holds the highest possible ratings for financial strength currently awarded to any life insurer from the life insurance industry's four principal rating agencies.

However, even if I didn't know Dan personally this NY Life Rep gets 5 stars. Life insurance is something I know nothing about. Well, I know I'm not getting any younger and I need to supplement my current policy provided from work. That's where Danny G comes in. I called Dan; He's a rep for NY Life. He answered all my dumb questions. That's it. No pitch, No BS, No stress or weird attitude to pressure me into anything. He did hook me up with some free insight, he's knowledgeable about this life insurance thing.

1 Metro Tech Center
17th Fl
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Neighborhood: Downtown Brooklyn
(718) 254-2987

The Economist Review

Wonderful source of international financial news, the likes of which you won't find elsewhere. As the Wall Street Journal has moved away from big picture type pieces over the past 5+ years, The Economist has become the "must read" financial periodical. Unfortunately, some of their views are overly dogmatic and taken as gospel - e.g., free trade is always best, immigration is the best thing ever and more of it is always better (super high unemployment be damned). Such rigid views do limit the quality of analysis on certain issues, particularly in times like these when conventional dogma is failing us.

Your magazine reeks of dry British wit, tradition and coy irony.  Steathily your minions ply between the world's great cities to observe and dissect the news behind the headlines.  Unlike the fat, decadent American-whore media, the syntax and cadence of your anonymous writers do justice to the Queen's English. In the tradition of Tony Blair, Sean Connery and Henry Higgins, the Economist demonstrates on a weekly basis the British proclivity for cerebral eloquence, independence and irreverent style, qualities lacking in your colonial offspring.

111 W 57th St
(between 7th Ave & Avenue Of The Americas)
New York, NY 10019
Neighborhood: Midtown West
(212) 541-0500

Proper Real Estate Review

Look, finding a good deal in Greenpoint is  like trying to find meaning in a Pauly Shore film. But Proper Real Estate will find that meaning, and in your price range. Our new landlord had our apartment listed with another company for $400 more a month, but Donna handled the negotiations and got us in for the original price of $2K (after other brokers, like the corporate scumbags at Apartments and Lofts, told me that was Just Not Possible in Greenpoint). And she could do this because she knew the owner, speaks Polish, and is basically the Queen Bee of real estate in GP.

Here's how you do it folks: be available. My roomie and I got our dream apartment because when they said jump, we said how high. Real estate is a shit show, but unless you plan to see places *as soon as they come up* (literally, within hours), someone keener and more available will get it, and become the first person she calls. Keep your phone on and be prepared to leave work early and often.

100 Nassau Ave
(between Manhattan Ave & Leonard St)
Brooklyn, NY 11222
Neighborhood: Greenpoint
(718) 389-5833

Paper Slam Review

Found myself in a situation where business cards needed to be printed for the next day. All over the city places were quoting me upwards of $100 to do it. Julie did it in less than 24 hours for a fraction of the price, and the quality of the cards/printing was fantastic. She was super flexible with everything, approved the proof for me, was able to call in payment by phone, the works. Will for sure be back in the future. Glad to see small local businesses doing well and turning out quality product.

I worked with Julie to get some business cards made up. I'm new to this, so I needed help getting my file setup for print. She was super nice and professional and didn't seem at all put out that I didn't really know what I was doing. She even made a design suggestion that really put the finishing touches on my card!

Turnaround time was very quick-- they happened to have some down time, so I got my proofs in 5 minutes. The cards were ready in less than 24 hours. It was also really inexpensive cards at Kinkos were quoted at twice the price that Paper Slam charged me. Cheap and amazing customer service---an all around great experience.

531 E 13th St
(between Avenue A & Avenue B)
New York, NY 10009
Neighborhoods: East Village, Alphabet City
(212) 979-8766

Best Buy Auto Leasing Review

As the Internet's complete auto leasing service, Best Buy Auto Leasing was founded to meet the growing demand for a personal approach to auto leasing online. Rather than refer our customers to auto dealers as leads, we provide a service and function as your agent-broker from vehicle search and negotiation to lease comparison to convenient delivery. Our knowledgeable client advisors have experience assisting discerning auto leasing customers nationwide. Discover our special brand of customer focus and attention to detail that will make your auto leasing experience convenient, economical and pleasurable.

I bought a Range Rover Sport. It went through 3 accidents, and lots of visits to the shop. Non stop problems. If this review was for that car it'd have zero stars. However, the wonderful team at Best Buy worked the impossible, and got me out of my burdensome lease. What's more, they got me in a brand new CLS550 for a deal no one could even compare to. They have once again proven that they are unlike any other leasing company out there. I will never get another car from anyone except them.

1020 Ave X
Brooklyn, NY 11235
Neighborhoods: Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach
(718) 701-8603

TibMabel Chong Review

The pieces at Mabel Chong are beautiful and elegant. The store offers a wide range, and the staff there is very patient and gives helpful recommendations without being pushy. My Mabel Chong earrings consistently receive compliments when I wear them...and I just feel so good wearing them! I've never had a problem with them breaking, and I own quite a number of them. I've also given them as bridal party gifts that were really well-received--the bride and the other bridesmaids absolutely loved them, and we all matched! Definitely browse the website, but for the really fun experience, you absolutely have to drop by the store and try some on.

1949 Union St
(between Laguna St & Charlton Ct)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow

(415) 345-8833

Oxbridge House Review

Gold prices are at a record high and now is the time to cash in all that old, unwanted bling. Whether it's an old wedding set you no longer wear...a family heirloom that isn't your style...or just a mixed batch of unwanted jewelry that's been rolling around the back of your drawer, it's a great time to clean house. I can't recommend Oxbridge House enough. Located in Pacific Heights in a discreet building that gives not a clue as to the nature of your business, Roy Polyak handles your transaction with professionalism and efficiency. I was in and out in 10 minutes. Oxbridge House will buy your precious metals for a very fair price and cut you a check on the spot. If you're looking to liquidate precious stones, you might look elsewhere as you won't get credit for them here. Gold is definitely King.

2115 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights

(415) 409-6086