US – Tuesday, February 9
Plant blast under investigation
Federal investigators headed to Connecticut yesterday to determine the cause of an explosion at an unfinished power plant that killed at least five workers and hospitalized dozens of others.
 
Pressure grows for sanctions
International pressure for new sanctions against Iran grew yesterday after Tehran announced plans to make higher-enriched uranium and add 10 nuclear sites in a year, raising Western fears it wants to develop atom bombs.
 
Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M
Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.
 
Dancing while the skinny lady sings
You’ve heard of the jukebox musical? David Parsons and singers AnnMarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross of the East Village Opera Co. offer a jukebox opera, playing nightly at the Joyce. Eleven Parsons dancers share the stage with Milazzo and Ross, who clutch microphones cranked to 11 and stroll through the action. On the recorded soundtrack, three drummers create a wall of sound so loud you — well, I — want to hide under the seat. Digital video of abstract patterns, natural landscapes and stunning architecture change for each song.
 
‘Free’ ad leads to fraud suit
NEW YORK. A Wisconsin college student is suing credit firm Experian — the brains behind the ubiquitous FreeCreditReport.com jingles — for fraudulent advertising after she inadvertently signed up for a monthly $14.95 monitoring service.
 
Let me count the ways ...
‘Tis the season for writing love letters. But that can be a daunting endeavor, especially when you’re not sure where to start. Should you put it in verse, use flowery language, get erotic? As with almost anything in life, the simpler you keep it, the easier (and often better) it will be. It doesn’t sound that romantic, but think of your love letter as a laundry list of the reasons why you adore your sweetheart. It’s kinda like Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43: “How do you love your partner? Count the ways!” Here’s how to do it without rhyming or pulling out a thesaurus:
 
Published 21:11, September the 27th, 2009
 

Bun in the oven, cash out of wallet

Even in ritzy neighborhoods new parents dig deeper

Many first time parents aren’t prepared for the expense.Many first time parents aren’t prepared for the expense.
Photo: AMY GARWOOD/METRO
 

Rising costs

The cost of child care in New York is rising by $1,600 a year, according to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand:

$16,250/year for an infant

$11,648/year for a toddler

$9,620/year for a school-age child

 

The cost of a newborn adds up. But even in ritzy baby-crazed neighborhoods like TriBeca, new parents are curbing expenses.

Nick, 42, a stay-at-home dad who declined to give his last name, didn’t forgo a top-of-the-line Bugaboo stroller — “You use it everyday,” he said — but goes to Costco for his 5-month-old son’s diapers. By staying home he saves $2,500 a monthly on day care. “My wife has to go to work for health insurance,” he said.

Expensive childrearing will soon force Dana Bernstein and her husband, a scientist for a drug company, out of the city.

“Preschool costs $13,000 a year for three hours a day,” said Bernstein, 33, who has a 2-year-old and a 1-month-old daughter. “We know there are issues with school overcrowding and private school is ridiculously expensive.”

But Bernstein hasn’t been able to resist “cute” baby girl clothes for her youngest even though she could wear hand-me-downs.

“Parents are certainly cost conscious,” said Jennifer Cattaui, owner of TriBeCa’s Babesta, where top sellers include the Bugaboo Cameleon ($979), an Oeuf crib ($890) and Fresco Loft high chair ($500).

Parents may be more careful but “people don’t skimp on a Wu-Tang onesie,” she said. It sells for $20.

 

A little advice on saving

It’s estimated raising an infant can cost $16,250 a year.It’s estimated raising an infant can cost $16,250 a year.
Photo: NICOLAUS CZARNECKI/METRO
 

Metro spoke with Linda Murray, editor-in-chief at BabyCenter.com, about how parents can handle newborn expenses.

How much should people save up before they have a baby?
It is important to have money saved before for doctor’s visits and other necessities. You will also be happy you started saving early so it will be easier when the baby comes.  According to a recent BabyCenter survey, you will spend almost $10,000 on your baby’s first year.
What are two things new

parents can do to realize big savings and cut costs?
One big way to save money on formula is for moms to breastfeed for as long as they can. If you’re not breastfeeding, buy the powered formula, which costs less than the ready-to-use. Also, buy in bulk at wholesale clubs such as Costco or Sam’s Club. Parents can save on diapers by using cloth diapers and washing them yourself, or buying in bulk.

 
 
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MMMpod
The February MMMpod features conversation from Ozzy Osbourne. Michael Emerson from "Lost" tells us about his days enjoying punk rock in Boston. We also dig up an old interview from the late great Howard Zinn. We have a song from Delta Spirit and The Soft Pack, who tell us where they got their name.

 
 
Metro Life Panel