Gold, Man!

The New York Times reported yesterday that Goldman Sachs, a Wall Street investment bank, "will set aside $16.5 billion for salaries, bonuses and benefits for employees" this year. "That figure works out to an avergae of $622,000 for each employee."

The Times commented that "the bonuses at Goldman...are expected to give the New York area's economy a substantial boost, particularly in sales of high-end residential real estate, luxury cars, and other pricey goods." Pamela Liebman, the cheif executive of Corcoran Group, a residential brokerage said, "When these guys learn what their bonuses are, we are among the first people they call. They call their mothers, and then their real estate brokers."

When my bonus comes in this year, I, too, plan to contact my real estate broker. Or landlord. And tell him I can start this year's rent off on the right foot.