The Top 1%

3 Underperforming Stocks That Could Jump as Much as 50%

twocents@thestreet.com (StreetAuthority) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:49 GMT

The following commentary comes from an independent investor or market observer as part of TheStreet's guest contributor program, which is separate from the company's news coverage.

By David Sterman>

NEW YORK (StreetAuthority) -- When it comes to stock-picking, it's better to be early than late. I'd rather buy shares in a promising company and have to wait for the stock to jump than buy in long after others already have. So from time to time, I like to look back on stocks that I have been bullish about in the past to find cases where I was simply too early with my investment thesis. As long as the fundamental thesis remains intact, shares should still hold appeal, even if the stock has failed to rise thus far....

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Restaurant.com's Feed It Forward

twocents@thestreet.com (TheNewsMarket) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:31 GMT

PRESS RELEASE- Through Feed It Forward, people nationwide can give and share $10 dining gift certificates for free. From November 22nd to December 31st, secret santas, elves and everyday people can log onto www.Restaurant.com/FeedItForward and send up to 40 gift certificates every day through the duration of the program to anyone with an email address. VIDEO PROVIDED BY RESTAURANT.COM.

The New BMW 6 Series Convertible

twocents@thestreet.com (TheNewsMarket) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:34 GMT

PRESS RELEASE-- BMW presents the new 6 Series Convertible. The 2+2-seater is available with two engine variants: the eight-cylinder powerplant in the BMW 650i Convertible produces 300 kW/407 hp, while a variant of the six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, direct injection and VALVETRONIC -generating 235 kW/320 hp - has been developed for the BMW 640i Convertible. VIDEO FROM BMW.

VELUX 5 Oceans First Leg Ends

twocents@thestreet.com (TheNewsMarket) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:15 GMT

PRESS RELEASE-- Solo sailor Derek Hatfield and his 60ft yacht Active House has arrived in Cape Town. Derek is the third skipper to cross the finish line in the VELUX 5 OCEANS first leg, having left La Rochelle, France on October 17. The VELUX 5 OCEANS is a solo, round-the-world yacht race, comprising five ocean sprints. From Cape Town the race will continue to Wellington, New Zealand, to Salvador, Brazil, onto Charleston, USA and will finish back in La Rochelle in June 2011. VIDEO FROM VELUX.

Cruzes Go to Macau for Last Race of the Season

twocents@thestreet.com (TheNewsMarket) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 22:30 GMT

PRESS RELEASE--The 2010 World Touring Car Championship is coming to an end with the last race in Macau on November 21, as drivers, teams and cars get ready for the traditional WTCC closing event in the streets of the former Portuguese enclave. After having led the championship for the entire season, Chevrolet is a few points away from securing its first Manufacturers' WTCC title. VIDEO PROVIDED BY GM.

Jay Leno Reviews the Jaguar C-X75

twocents@thestreet.com (TheNewsMarket) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 22:30 GMT

PRESS RELEASE-- Jay Leno became the first person outside Jaguar to drive the C-X75 on a public highway, ahead of its North American Debut at the L.A. Auto Show. Leno, a long-term Jaguar enthusiast, thinks that despite being so cutting edge, it still looks like a Jaguar with certain key features like the detail on the buttress behind the driver's head that is reminiscent of the new XJ or the back end is having hints of E Type and even the D Type. If the car is produced, it will be powered by twin turbines charging four electric motors. VIDEO PROVIDED BY JAGUAR.

Where to Ski in July

twocents@thestreet.com (RealMoney Staff) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:54 GMT

By Seth Fiegerman, MainStreet

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The East Coast has been sweating through a heat wave for the past week and other parts of the country haven't fared much better. So why not save all the beaches and tropical island getaways for the colder months?

A mound of snow sounds pretty nice to those of use sweating it out along the Atlantic. With that in mind, we found a few great spots where you can still ski in July. ...

Exploring Moscow's Top Luxury Hotels

twocents@thestreet.com (Michael Martin) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:02 GMT

MOSCOW (TheStreet) -- When Mikhail Gorbachev announced his Perestroika reforms in the summer of 1987 he probably didn't envision his Red Square to be surrounded by western-owned hotels.

There's even more on the way with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group planting roots in 2011 and Shangri-La Hotels in 2013. There's also been development on the former Rossiya Hotel in Red Square, picking up the pieces after Foster + Partners relinquished design control over a planned development that will include four luxury hotels, residences and a 2,500-seat theater.

Moscow hasn't been immune to the global financial crisis. Its three-star properties have seen room rates decrease by 39%. ...

What's New for Summer in the Hamptons

twocents@thestreet.com (Michael Martin) — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:18 GMT

MONTAUK, N.Y. (TheStreet) -- Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer in the Hamptons.

Whether arriving to that grand second or third home along the water in East Hampton or simply crashing at one of the numerous surf shacks and inns that dot the area, visitors will inevitably arrive to a Hamptons flush with upgraded hotels, renovated restaurants and renamed nightclubs that operate out of old spaces that seem to take on a different look and theme every other year. Like so many summers before, a fresh coat of paint and new name goes a long way in the Hamptons where everything old becomes new again.

If you haven't secured your Hampton vacation home, you'll have a number of hotel options. In recent years, travel stories have focused on Montauk and motels such as the Surf Lodge and the Sole East Resort, which offer hip lobby bars and modest rooms. ...

Las Vegas Chefs Fuse Unlikely Flavors

twocents@thestreet.com (Travels in Taste) — Wed, 26 May 2010 09:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS (TheStreet) -- Ethnic food continues to gain popularity among consumers, particularly Asian and Indian cuisines.

The market research firm Mintel says ethnic-food sales probably reached a record in 2009 and could grow 20% from 2010 to 2014. To capitalize on the trend, Whole Foods Market is sponsoring six months of cooking classes at Las Vegas-area stores that feature demonstrations from Kuldeep Singh, executive chef of Las Vegas' Origin India and Jet Tila, executive chef of Wazuzu at Encore at the Wynn Las Vegas. The first one, "The Curry Connection," highlights South and Southeast Asian flavors and techniques. TravelsinTaste went to the sources to get their takes on fusion cuisine.

Wazuzu's barbecue platter. ...

Luxury Home Market Starts to Rebound

twocents@thestreet.com (Theresa McCabe) — Mon, 03 May 2010 14:34 GMT

BOSTON (TheStreet) -- When the historic Ames-Webster House in Boston went on the market last year, the best offer realtor Joanna Dresser received was for less than half the property's asking price.

"We didn't get any realistic offers," Dresser says. "No one seemed to understand what a property like this was really worth."

The Ames-Webster House in Boston has 50 rooms and 28 fireplaces. ...

Distressed Hotels Sell Luxury for Cheap

twocents@thestreet.com (Michael Martin) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:45 GMT

LAS VEGAS (TheStreet) -- When the Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas closes its doors on May 2, it won't come as a surprise to guests.

The announcement by the resort's owner, Village Hospitality, came in early February, allowing potential guests and nearly 350 resort employees the ability to plan their vacations and good-byes. The situation reveals why it's not always bad to book a hotel that's going through financial woes.

The Former Mondrian Scottsdale gets new management and name. ...

Green Ideas for Pampered Jetsetters

twocents@thestreet.com (Theresa McCabe) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:15 GMT

BOSTON (TheStreet) -- While you may help the environment at home by biking to work or giving up your daily Starbucks fix, you don't have to sacrifice comfort or style to go green while on vacation.

The green movement has gained momentum during the past year as more consumers find ways to preserve the environment as they go about their daily lives. Some have taken drastic measures, such as moving off the grid and growing their own food. But there are still ways for pampered jetsetters to maintain a luxurious lifestyle without harming the planet.

Carmakers have been working to create more fuel-efficient models in recent years. The effort has worked its way up the food chain, and now luxury brands such as Mercedes and Lexus offer hybrid options for affluent consumers. ...

High-End Cruise Offers Tasting Tour

twocents@thestreet.com (Travels in Taste) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:29 GMT

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- There's something about the sea that's simply magical.

The $30 billion cruise industry is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel. More than 13 million passengers are expected to sail this year. The largest lines are still Carnival, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, but size doesn't always matter. TravelsinTaste.com recently uncovered a hidden gem in cruising: the Silversea Silver Spirit.

Silversea Cruises offers cooking classes, fine restaurants and guided food tours aboard its ships. ...

Uruguay Gives Rise to Next Foodie Mecca

twocents@thestreet.com (Michael Martin) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:00 GMT

GARZON, Uruguay (TheStreet) -- It's called Garzon, a dusty four-road town in the middle of the Uruguayan pampas that wouldn't look out of place in a John Ford movie if not for the carloads of foodies and bohemian travelers.

Getting to South America's foodie capital is hardly an easy task. The closest airport is in Punta del Este, Uruguay, which can be reached from Buenos Aires or the nation's capital, Montevideo. From there, you must travel on a series of highways until you get to the 165-kilometer marker, where you'll see an unlit sign that points toward Garzon. You'll drive on a gravel road and pass a cemetery to get there.

Riders park their horses along Garzon's Main Street. ...

Wine Ice Cream Sweetens Happy Hour

twocents@thestreet.com (Travels in Taste) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:14 GMT

LAS VEGAS (TheStreet) -- Leave it to Las Vegas to launch a sophisticated alternative to the traditional wine tasting. TravelsinTaste.com has uncovered a unique happy hour for you.

Happy Hour isn't just limited to beer and booze anymore, There's a new twist that's taking over the nation: adult ice cream. It's premium ice cream blended with real wine, not flavoring. Double Helix Wine Bar and Boutique, which is always ahead of the curve with all things wine, will hold an ice cream party for adults on March 26 at its location in the Palazzo Hotel, Resort & Casino to introduce Mercer's award-winning wine ice cream to the Las Vegas Strip. With flavors like red raspberry chardonnay and chocolate cabernet, there's something for everyone. The menu also includes cherry merlot, peach white zinfandel and royal white riesling in addition to some of the 50 wines by the glass that Double Helix serves.

Mercer's brings its wine ice cream to Las Vegas. ...

Soho House Debuts in Los Angeles

twocents@thestreet.com (Michael Martin) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:07 GMT

LOS ANGELES (TheStreet) -- The location of the new Soho House West Hollywood, atop a high-rise building on the edge of Beverly Hills, couldn't be better.

The L.A. outpost of Soho House opens today. The social club debuts as the city struggles to emerge from a recession that's still deepening with layoffs, empty storefronts and a weak real estate market. Its business model seems to lean on studio executives and the business elite, who would have snapped up memberships to woo clients in the past, but now have to justify an almost $200-per month membership to budget-minded companies that may quiver at such extravagance.

An interior rendering of the new Soho House in West Hollywood. ...

Take a Cue From the Ultra-Rich on Taxes

twocents@thestreet.com (Elizabeth Blackwell) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:00 GMT

CHICAGO (TheStreet) -- Whether they're hopping a private jet to St. Barts or handing over platinum credit cards at designer boutiques, the ultra-rich operate in a world apart from the average middle-class American.

Those differences are especially striking at tax time. The more money you have, the more options you have for avoiding or minimizing certain taxes.

"When you have a greater number of assets, you're more able to engage in planning," says Bruce J. Wexler, partner at the law firm Loeb & Loeb and chair of its New York trusts and estates department. For wealthy families, taxes are a year-round concern. ...

Mercedes, Buick Sales Rise as Drivers Upgrade

twocents@thestreet.com (Jason Notte) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:00 GMT

DETROIT (TheStreet) -- Luxury vehicle sales numbers are often like the cars themselves -- pretty from afar, but gaudy and overblown upon further inspection. February's tally was no different.

After delaying car purchases and curbing spending during the economic recession, consumers are peeling out of dealerships inside new Buick, Mercedes and Infiniti models. Except for Toyota's namesake brand, U.S. sales of luxury cars rose last month at most automakers.

A quick look at the numbers reveals the vehicles living the high life and the cars whose Champagne tastes outstrip their Coors Light demand. ...

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Los Angeles Revs Up for Oscar Week

twocents@thestreet.com (Michael Martin) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 10:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES (TheStreet) -- The entertainment community will soon descend on Los Angeles for a weekend of star-studded parties that culminate with the 82nd Annual Academy Awards on Sunday.

During one of the most profitable weeks for local hotels, the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles will show off the results of a $33-million renovation. The hotel, a common choice for nominees, improved its 285 guest rooms, updated its cabanas and added a new infinity pool deck with a garden restaurant. The Four Seasons is also introducing Culina, a new Italian restaurant that will serve pizzas and slow-cooked meats from a wood-fire oven.

Hollywood prepares for 2010 Academy Awards. ...

Hummer's Dead. Long Live the New Hummers

twocents@thestreet.com (Jason Notte) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:00 GMT

MISHAWAKA, Ind. (TheStreet) -- There's about to be a Hummer-sized void in America's moneyed, militaristic, macho low-mileage automotive market. Is there a vehicle with the bulk and bravado to fill it?

Much as Toyota's recall of the 2010 Prius stalled the stereotype of effete, lefty intellectuals taking the hybrid out to Whole Foods, the dissolution of GM's deal to sell Hummer to a Chinese company is on the way to killing the iconic brand and its connoted connections to love-it-or-leave-it, boom-time consumption and largesse. Even before the Hummer deal fizzled, the war wagon was losing friends on all fronts.

Hummer sales fell from nearly 56,000 in 2007 to little more than 9,000 last year. Earlier this year, the Army submitted a 2010 budget proposal with no new funding for the Humvee -- the original Hummer -- saying its current order of more than 2,600 vehicles will be its last. ...

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Royal Caribbean's Mega-Titanic Rules Ocean

twocents@thestreet.com (Michael Martin) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:06 GMT

BOSTON (TheStreet) -- When it departed on its maiden cruise in December, Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas took the title of "world's largest cruise ship." The staggering engineering achievement cost $1.5 billion to build, measures five times larger than the Titanic and can hold nearly 6,300 passengers.

Part of the new Oasis Class from Royal Caribbean, the new super ships prove that demand for bigger and bolder cruises is growing. In addition to the Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is due to take shipment of its sister ship, Allure of the Seas, in late 2010.

Divided between seven theme neighborhoods including a boardwalk and urban-style park-at-sea called "Central Park," Oasis is also home to an outdoor amphitheater that's a water park by day and outdoor stage by night that was even graced by an inaugural performance from Rihanna. ...

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Fancy Food Carts Hawk Creme Brulee, Chorizo

twocents@thestreet.com (Michael Martin) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:00 GMT

LOS ANGELES (TheStreet) -- Once a staple of construction sites and nightclubs exits, the food truck has emerged as an unlikely vehicle for a culinary revolution.

From Los Angeles to Miami and New York, the once ubiquitous "roach coach" has found new life amid the economic downturn as cash-strapped foodies look for gourmet bargains. Emboldened by Twitter, Facebook and Web sites like MobileCravings, the food truck revolution revved up as trucks began to linger outside office buildings.

The Grilled Cheese Truck tempts Los Angeles pedestrians with the classic sandwich. ...

How to Find Diamonds That Don't Fund War

twocents@thestreet.com (Carmen Nobel) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:00 GMT

BOSTON (TheStreet) -- The 2006 film Blood Diamond brought attention to "conflict diamonds," gems mined in war-torn African countries whose proceeds have been used to fund military action. While the problem has been mitigated in recent years, it hasn't disappeared.

To that end, here's how ethical Casanovas can avoid getting blood on their hands while putting a ring on her finger.

What is the Kimberley Process? Based on a United Nations resolution, the Kimberley Process is an international certification system meant to regulate the diamond trade and prevent conflict diamonds from hitting jewelry store shelves. Seventy five countries have agreed to adhere to the process, which requires exporters to transport diamonds in tamper-proof containers and certify that they aren't blood diamonds to the exporter's knowledge. Diamond giant De Beers boasts about its Kimberley Process compliance on its Web site. ...

Captains of Industry Hijack Yacht Race

twocents@thestreet.com (Jason Notte) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:00 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (TheStreet) -- The 33rd America's Cup concluded with a CEO navigating the winning vessel, one of the world's richest men steering the loser and a decorated skipper in yachting history winning titles with his third different country.

This is boardroom yachting, and the shareholders are divesting.

Oracle BMW's carbon-composite racer took 150,000 hours to build and $20 million to buy. ...

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Golf Estate Made for a Resting Tiger

twocents@thestreet.com (Jason Notte) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:00 GMT

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (TheStreet) -- Personal turmoil took Tiger Woods from the golf course, and it's taking the golf course away from a California trust. Oddly, Woods and the course seem like a good fit right now.

Water world: Porcupine Creek is among two U.S. estates with its own golf course for sale.

The 249-acre Porcupine Creek estate in Rancho Mirage, Calif., comes with a 25,000-square-foot main residence, a private drive with a Las Vegas-style fountain and antique lampposts from the Champs-Elysees in Paris and 19-hole golf course that was rated the 13th best in California by Golf Digest. Its seems ideal for a well-heeled golfer looking for both privacy and a place to practice his way back into the game, but is also just the latest property to hit the market following the 2008 divorce of Edra and Tim Blixseth, co-founders of the Yellowstone Club billionaires' resort in Montana. ...

Six Eco-Friendly, Business-Class Cars

twocents@thestreet.com (Jason Notte) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:29 GMT

TOKYO (TheStreet) -- Even before the Toyota recalls, the Prius hybrid made a lousy luxury car.

As recalls reset consumer confidence in 425,000 Priuses with braking issues, is a no-frills utilitarian hybrid still the best way to be green and be seen? If not, Toyota's recalls just widened the lanes for luxury "clean diesel" vehicles from overseas and high-end hybrid/electrics from both the U.S. and abroad.

There are arguments for each alternative-energy source, but here are six alternatives that are eco-friendly without feeling economy-class>> Fisker Karma 2010 ...

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High-End Restaurants for High-Level Lunches

twocents@thestreet.com (Travels in Taste) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:00 GMT

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Power Lunch isn't just a show on CNBC. Real power lunches are happening every day among Hollywood moguls, real estate brokers and Wall Street bankers.

Lunch isn't just a midday refueling. It's a chance to develop new relationships and find opportunities. TravelsinTaste.com has rounded up the best restaurants for your next power lunch. Whether you're entertaining a partner or a prospect, they're the best spots to have a meal before you strike a deal. Michael Jordan's The Steak House N.Y.C. has become a hot spot for power brokers in Midtown Manhattan.

Los Angeles: In Los Angeles, nights are filled with movie openings, awards dinners and cocktails behind red velvet ropes. Celebrity chic does not start at sundown though. If you want to sidle up to Hollywood's studio executives, agents and stars, have lunch at the Ivy. It has an outdoor terrace that's perfect for sipping drinks and watching the moguls discuss the next big blockbuster. ...

CityCenter Adds Sophistication to Vegas Strip

twocents@thestreet.com (Michael Martin) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:00 GMT

LAS VEGAS (TheStreet) -- CityCenter has had a few months to settle on the Las Vegas strip. Visitors and residents have had time to warm up to its glass curves, whether they're shopping or playing the slots in its Aria Resort & Casino.

Located on 67 acres between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, the Cesar Pelli and Daniel Libeskind-designed development is home to three distinctly different hotels.

The all-suite Vdara on Harmon Circle was the CityCenter's first hotel. A grand lobby of abstract chandeliers and asymmetrical floors leads to stylish but muted rooms with fully equipped kitchens and spa-style bathrooms with city views. The hotel is home to a rooftop pool with daily DJ entertainment and the Silk Road Restaurant, created by chef Martin Heierling who created Sensi at the Bellagio. ...

Oakland Undergoes Restaurant Revival

twocents@thestreet.com (Michael Martin) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:25 GMT

OAKLAND, Calif. (TheStreet) -- Blame the influx of San Francisco chefs looking to cut their overhead: Oakland is experiencing a dining renaissance that's bringing cutting edge restaurants and quirky eateries to the Northern California city.

Several of the city's hot spots can be found in Jack London Square along the waterfront. The square will soon be home to the new outpost of Bracina, a new restaurant by Daniel Patterson, a Michelin-star earning chef at Coi in San Francisco.

The Waterfront Hotel is home to Miss Pearl's Jam House. ...