Readers suggested a topic surrounding Wall Street bonuses and New York real estate. "Slightly off topic, and thinking out loud: I just do not understand where those tremendous Wall Street earnings are coming from, which cause all those record bonuses???"

A reply, "If you don’t understand where they are coming from, there is some chance that they are coming from your and my pockets…"

Another said, "The Amish finally dug up their coffee cans and open a Scott trade account via the local library."

One had this question. "Whats Fair and Reasonable? Here in NYC how many people can really afford $2000+ a month in rent all by themselves? Yet they do because they own almost nothing. Or they have a roomate and 'share' a one bedroom apartment."

"Realistically, How many people really do make $75K+ a year to 'afford' that $2000+ month payment?"

"Another NEW condo building here in Long Island City on the east river overlooking Manahatan just put up a big Now Renting banner."

"The first buliding a few years ago were selling for $60-90K yes that redicuolus low price in NYC…….the catch……..you knew there was one……….It was built on almost all borrowed money so the monthly maintence fee was over $2000 per month !!!!"

"I am also starting to see a few Commercial buildings in LIC, have Large space available and for rent signs they were not there just 2-3 months ago."

A reply, "That is great. We will be looking for new digs in April and May. Our current building is full of snot-nosed twenty-somethings that act like spoiled teenagers. I can tell you how most of them afford their rent, 'Mommy & Daddy.' I want a crash just so the youngsters might learn some humility and manners."

Another said, "That new rental in LIC is now offering 1 month free rent. OOH, well now it is only $2180 a month for 700sq feet of stainless steel granite bliss.'

The New York Times. "In recent weeks, immense riches have been rained upon the top bankers and traders. After a year of record profits, investment houses like Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers and Morgan Stanley are awarding bonuses as high as $60 million."

"The Manhattan real estate market, for example, had softened; sales of apartments fell 17 percent in the third quarter this year compared with a year ago, according to the Corcoran Group."

"Then came bonus day. Last week, Michele Kleier, president of Gumley Haft Kleier, received a call from a hedge fund manager in his late 30s. He had spent $6 million on an apartment two years ago and, with his bonus, wanted to upgrade. His new price range? 'Not more than $20 million.'"

"The morning Goldman Sachs announced record fourth-quarter and 2006 earnings, Lloyd C. Blankfein, CEO, implored his employees to avoid excess. 'As stewards of the firm’s reputation, I ask each of you to remember that our actions, inside and outside of the office, reflect on Goldman Sachs. Even a perception of arrogance hurts all of us,' he said."

"At cocktail parties, comparisons to 1999 abound. That year marked the height of the technology boom and the eve of a painful crash. 'It feels a little bit like the top,' said another banker."

"Not everyone on Wall Street is getting multimillion-dollar bonuses. The average managing director, who stands at the top of Wall Street’s hierarchical food chain, but far from rock-star status, will be getting $1 million to $3 million, which will likely be stashed in savings as memories of the 2001 bear market remain fresh."

"'I’m putting it in the bank because I know next year I could be out of a job,' said one managing director at a leading bank."

"For hedge fund traders and managers, markets were rough in the spring and summer, and some did not make gains until stocks rallied this fall. 'It was a terrible year,' said one young hedge fund professional. 'I am going to the movies with my bonus. By myself.'"