This week marks the 37th Anniversary of the maiden commercial flight of the Concorde.

Jump to photos from a flight on the Concorde >>

To properly celebrate, let's relieve history a bit by traveling along with photographer/videographer Joe Corrigan as he remembers his Concorde flights, roundtrip JFK-LHR in July 2003 on the British Airways supersonic birds G-BOAC and G-BOAF:

I don't know quite what it was about Concorde, but ever since I first saw her as a kid, I was mesmerised. That shape, those lines—there was something about her that drew me in. I was 14 the first time I saw her with my own eyes, as my my uncle had discovered Concorde would fly into Sydney, my home town, on a round-the-world charter. Together we headed to the airport to see her land.

That aircraft, F-BVFC, zoomed in and landed with full reverse and later took off with full afterburner as I watched from afar. I was hooked. The experience was not only visual and aural, but earth-shaking. Everything in the vicinity shuddered under the engine power; you could feel Concorde slice through the air and this in itself made it all the more visceral. It became a dream of mine to fly on her, one I never thought likely to come true.

The stars aligned for me when I was 18. Working with a very knowledgeable travel agent, I was afforded the amazing opportunity to join the very exclusive club not just once, but twice. This club was one of supersonic travelers, people who have flown faster than a rifle bullet and viewed the curvature of the earth.

As far as first impressions go, this was like nothing I had experienced before or have since. Check in was in a separate hall at Heathrow Terminal 4 and although I'm not normally one for checking a bag, how could I resist a bag tag from Concorde? From there it was through the Fast Track at Heathrow T4 and into the Concorde Room. Here was the start of the truly elite experience as the Concorde Room was unparalleled in service and amenities. Among other niceties, I enjoyed canapés, vintage champagne, and an a-la-carte menu for something more substantial, all served on Royal Doulton bone china.

Finally the boarding announcement shook me from my reverie as it was time to start the main event. Onboard I was first struck by the navy blue leather seats with stainless steel trim and lavender and cream blankets. The cabin was cozy and, though a little light on head room, amazingly spacious once seated. I had a bulkhead seat—front row for the flight, of course.

Terence Conran, along with British Airways, did a marvelous job with regards to the customer experience, and the attention to detail in the fit-out was something else. Each seat sported a speedmarque embossed into the leather as well as engraved into the polished seat belt buckle. The underside of the tray table was upholstered in the same soft navy leather, the armrest swiveled 90 degrees when stowed so as to slip unobtrusively between the seats, and the whole seat reclined as one unit so that it cradled you and supported your thighs whilst reclined. Little things on the face of it, but they make a huge difference.

Safely airborne we steadily accelerated to Mach 1 and a cheer went up in cabin since a display ticked away the number for all to see. Our sonic boom came over the ocean so as not to disturb people on the ground, and we continued toward Mach 2 on a climb to 55,000 feet. It was there, in our cruise, that the in flight service began in earnest. Three courses and an excellent wine, champagne and scotch selection all came served up on more fine Royal Doulton bone china. The flatware was designed, once more, by Terence Conran.

So did I appreciate all that was before me? Of course not! On reflection, I made the most of it at the time but I don’t remember the 1988 vintage champagne, or even what I had to eat. I do, however, remember the afterburners lighting two by two, pushing Concorde into the small of my back, as well as looking out the window and down to see a curved earth and then up to see the black abyss.

My only complaint is that it was all over so quickly. Three hours is only just long enough to have a three-course meal of that calibre, but at least I took some photos and enjoyed it all I could...twice.

Here's the Concorde at the gate.

Sitting up front, you see the speed and altitude displays.

This is the view from the end of the aisle.

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Once home to immigrants and factory workers striving for the American Dream, the Lower East Side has transformed into one of the coolest neighborhoods in Manhattan over the past decade or so.

Today it's home to upscale shops, trendy boutique hotels, great restaurants, and cool bars. 

It is the place to go out in NYC on a Saturday night — or any night for that matter.

The LES is roughly bounded by Chinatown to the south and west, NoLIta to the west, and the East Village to the north. 

Best Brunch: The Fat Radish

17 Orchard St.

The Fat Radish serves simple, healthy dishes in an unpretentious setting that's meant to evoke the feel of London's Covent Garden market.

Brunch is a great time to try the simple yet delicious fare, like the avocado toast with spicy eggs or the pumpkin pancakes with pecans and bourbon maple cream. If you're feeling really decadent, order the duck fat fries on the side.

Reservations are recommended, even for brunch.

Best Small Italian Plates: 'inoteca

98 Rivington St.

Prepare to wait for a table at this small, lively Italian restaurant that's generally packed with twenty-somethings.

There's an extensive selection of small Italian plates — don't miss the truffled egg toast — but the wine list is even more impressive.

Best Kosher Deli: Katz's

205 East Houston St.

Opened in 1888, Katz's is a remnant from the days when the neighborhood was predominantly filled with Jewish immigrants.

Yet it has stuck around, and it still remains one of the most popular kosher-style delis in the city — for good reason.

People love the heaping pastrami, turkey, and corned beef sandwiches, which go best with a cream soda.

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The Wii U is here and we got to spend some time with it.

Here's a close-up look at Nintendo's newest console.

The console itself isn't much to look at, but that's okay...

...because the Wii U GamePad is where a lot of the magic happens.

When you turn everything on, you're greeted with this social layer on your television. I mostly ignored it.

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Businessman and former owner of the Texas Rangers Tom Hicks is selling his huge 25-acre Texas estate for $135 million, according to celebrity real estate blog The Real Estalker.

The Dallas estate, which boasts a 29,000-square-foot mansion, pool house, and guest house, was originally designed in 1939 for the Italian count Pio Crespi and his American wife Florence by architect Maurice Fatio.

Tom and Cinda Hicks moved in 16 years ago, and have been renovating, restoring, and expanding ever since. The Real Estalker reported that Hicks spent $100 million of his estimated $1 billion fortune renovating this stately property.

The house has 14-foot ceilings, a country club-sized pool, gardens, a movie theater, tennis court, and an undisclosed amount of bedrooms and bathrooms (though at 28,996-square-feet, we're guessing it can comfortably fit multiple sets of families if necessary).

The Crespi/Hicks Estate is currently listed for sale with Douglas Newby & Associates.

The entire property spans 25 acres in the Dallas neighborhood, Mayflower Estates.

Welcome to the Crespi/Hicks Estate.

The property is well manicured. Lots of shrubbery and fountains surround the main mansion.

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You hear it all the time from ads and realtors.  But this time it's actually true: there has literally never been a better time to buy a home.

According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors, the home affordability index has now entered its third year of record highs.

The measure tracks median income against median priced homes (assuming a down payment of 20 percent of the home price and it assumes a qualifying ratio of 25 percent).

A value of 100 means that a family at median income has exactly enough income to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home.  When it's above 100, the family has more than enough income to qualify.

And the current reading is just under 200.

But we wanted to dig in to why housing conditions in America are so ripe for buying. 

Mortgage rates are at all-time lows.

The average mortgage payment is far less than the average rent.

The labor market is also improving, which means home owners are more likely to make their mortgage payments.

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Whether you consider yourself to be financially responsible, or you always seem to come up short on cash, there are a few key indicators that may indicate you are living beyond your mean.

And being aware of them can save you loads of money woes in times of a cash emergency.

You couldn’t live without your job’s income for at least six months.

Need some motivation to start saving? Sit down and add up how much money you make each month. Then, multiply that amount by six.

Assuming you have a stable job, that’s the minimum balance you should have stashed away in an interest bearing, FDIC insured deposit account that is earmarked solely for emergency needs, according to Henk Peters, Certified Financial Planner and president of Investus Financial Planning.

“Clients frequently underestimate life’s uncertainties and discount the need to have cash available for unexpected events like unemployment, illness, disabilities, and family emergencies,” he says.

If you have a less-than-stable career or you’re self-employed, he recommends saving as much as 12 months worth of income. If you don’t have anything near that amount saved, and worse, you’re in debt, you’re living beyond your means.

You vacation on credit.

You work hard and you’ve earned that vacation, right?

Consider this financial rule of thumb when it comes to credit purchases: If it takes you longer to pay for the purchase than the actual “life span” of the item, you can’t really afford it.

Start a plan to save money for vacations well in advance of the time you’ll need to book tickets or make reservations—even if you intend to charge your trip for purchase protection reasons.

Make sure you pay the balance down before you’re charged a dime of interest and be realistic about all the “extras” that can add to the cost of a trip, like tips, parking, and baggage fees.

You only consider monthly payments when buying a car.

Aside from a home, a car is one of the most expensive items you’ll purchase in your life. While it’s understandable to focus on monthly payment amounts when determining how much car you can buy, your ability to afford a monthly auto loan payment doesn’t mean you can afford the car.

If you’re in doubt, consider the duration of the loan: If it’s longer than three years, and doesn’t result in owning the vehicle outright at the conclusion of the loan, you’re shopping out of your true budget.

The same premise holds true for auto loan refinancing: If you’re refinancing because interest rates have dropped considerably since you initiated the loan, that may be a money-smart move.

If you are refinancing only to lower your monthly payments, and refinancing means that you are extending the life of the loan, you’re not actually saving money — you’re just stretching out the payments.

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On January 25, 2012, JCPenney CEO Ron Johnson took a stage in front of a throng of anxious investors, analysts, and reporters.

He announced his plan to turn things around at the struggling department store.

Johnson was JCPenney's white knight. He had joined the retailer in late 2011, leaving his high-profile job as the retail chief at Apple. 

The brilliant mind behind the magnificent success of the Apple Store was supposed to be the century-old chain's savior. 

It's not nearly over yet — his plan called for a few years of transition. But now, it has been one year since Johnson gave that presentation. 

JCPenney's stock is down 53 percent since then.

January 2012 — New CEO Ron Johnson unveils his turnaround plan in a presentation to investors, analysts, and the media

Johnson's plan focuses around a few key points:

• Change the pricing strategy to "every day low prices," which have three tiers: 1) regular prices, 2) month-long sales, and 3) the "best price"
• Revamp the entire layout of the store to become shops, supplanting the bazaar-like atmosphere
• Sign a ton of high-quality brands to fill those individually-branded shops
• Rebrand with a new logo to "jcp"
• Overhaul the website

February — Stores roll out the new pricing strategy and Johnson runs into his first media controversy

On February 1, JCPenney begins its new pricing strategy of "every day low prices," aiming to wean customers off of coupons. Johnson touts it as "fair and square"— a simple, transparent way for customers to buy.

Meanwhile, Johnson runs into a controversy centered around JCPenney spokesperson and TV host Ellen DeGeneres — sparked by an anti-gay group because she's a lesbian — and handles it spectacularly.

March — A survey says customers really like the new JCPenney

A big survey from Citi's Deborah Weiswig concludes that customers like the new JCPenney and says that even though customers might take a while to get used to the new pricing, it'll pay off in the end.

Twenty six percent of Penney customers say the new model will lead them to shop more. Only 8 percent said it would make them shop less.

However, one third of customers were not aware of the change, according to the survey.

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The pickup in the economic data in the U.S. lately and the Federal Reserve's recent musings on tightening monetary policy have many wondering if bond markets are set to repeat a "1994 scenario."

In 1994, the economy was emerging from a big recession, and Treasury yields began to rise slightly from their 1993 lows as the growth outlook improved – though no other signs of inflation had yet emerged.

Taking their cue from rising yields, Alan Greenspan and the Fed surprised markets by beginning to tighten monetary policy, and Treasuries plunged as interest rates screamed higher throughout the year.

Given the recent rise in Treasury yields after a sustained period at low levels – the same impetus for the Fed's tightening in 1994 – many wonder if the stage is set for another bloodbath in fixed income markets.

One experienced bond trader who got his start in 1993 sent us the chart above, annotated with an arrow and the comment, "We could be here."

The year is 1994. Bill Clinton is in the White House, Alan Greenspan presides over the Federal Reserve, and the U.S. economy is finally starting to recover from a big downturn

The economy had plunged into recession following the savings and loan crisis of the late 1980s. The ensuing recovery has had its ups and downs, but by Q1 1994, economic growth is finally starting to surge

For the past year and a half, the Fed has held interest rates stable around 3 percent after a multi-year easing period following the crash

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The hot ticket in Davos this evening is a "taxidermy" party thrown by billionaire entrepreneur Sean Parker, Salesforce.com CEO Mark Benioff, and Ian Osborne of the London-based communications firm Osborne & Partners.

Billed as the "Future Of Philanthropy Nightcap," the party is being held in what was until recently a crappy bar on Davos's main drag.

I say "until recently," because earlier this week Sean Parker's team took control of the place and went to work on it.

Sean Parker designed all the renovations and picked out the decorations himself.

And in 48 hours, the bar has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind "taxidermy" emporium, with stuffed animals and animal heads on many of the walls.

There's a wine bar in one corner.

And a team of bartenders called "Liquid Chef" juggling drinks (to mix them) behind another expansive bar.

John Legend is playing.

There are said to be three levels of restricted rooms below the main level that only certain guests have access to.

And there is, as you will see, a very eclectic mix of guests.

I generally feel about two decades too old to fully appreciate parties like these, but tonight's guests included some folks who were two decades younger and some who were two decades older than me. So I actually felt quite at home.

Here are some pictures. Apologies in advance for the lousy quality. I'll post some video tomorrow.

The coat check. You arrive here after being greeted by some extremely attractive people whose sole job was to greet you.

The stage. That's a full-sized stuffed grizzly.

A cape buffalo. With laser beams for eyes.

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The world is changing, and nowhere is that better illustrated than in a good series of charts.

Luckily, we've seen no shortage of excellent charts this week that amply illustrate the changes underway.

The best charts this week hit on everything from global per-capita ice cream consumption to the "1994 scenario" that keeps traders up at night.

Let's go to the charts.

Richard Koo says the most recent flow of funds data are a concerning sign that US household deleveraging isn't over yet

READ MORE: Richard Koo Answers The Most Critical Question About The Western Economies: Is The Deleveraging Over? >

Strategists keep revising earnings forecasts lower while the market heads higher

READ MORE: A Frustrating Trend In The Stock Market Continues To Break The Bears' Hearts >

Simply put: Europe is only beginning to deleverage

READ MORE: KKR: We Won't See Global Inflation For A While Because Europe Still Has A Ton Of Deleveraging To Do >

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Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that the loudest voice to enter into the drama between Bill Ackman and his short, Herbalife is legendary investor Carl Icahn.

Icahn has been working Wall Street since the 1960s, but it wasn't until the 1980s that he gained his reputation as a ruthless activist investor, taking a controlling interest in companies like TimeWarner, TWA, and Blockbuster.

Now he's a billionaire. And he hates Bill Ackman.

Their feud came to a head this week, when he and Ackman took 20 minutes out of their Friday afternoon to discuss their disagreement publicly on CNBC.

So who is the man taking the other side of what is arguably the short of the year?

Like most truly successful Americans, Icahn came from humble origins.

Icahn was born in 1936. His father was a synagogue cantor (though apparently an atheist); his mother a school teacher. He attended Far Rockaway High School in Queens.

Source: Icahn report

He worked his way into Princeton, where he majored in Philosophy.

He graduated in 1957.

Source: Icahn report

After brief stints at med school and the army, Icahn joined legendary mutual fund manager Dreyfus & Co.

Dreyfus merged with Mellon in 1994.

Source: Icahn report

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Apps are a great way to supercharge your iPhone experience and Apple's App Store is full of outstanding options.

Some stand-out apps are even better than Apple's very own apps.

If you're looking to get more out of your phone, check out this list we put together of Apps that replace Apple's and make your phone more useful and fun.

Instead of Apple's Mail App, use Mailbox to quickly get your inbox to zero.

Mailbox is one of the most anticipated apps of 2013. The email client uses gestures to quickly get your inbox to zero.

One of our favorite features is the "Later" option, which pushes an email away and re-circulates it to the top of your inbox at a time you choose.

Mailbox isn't available yet, but you can sign up for the reservation list here.

Price: It will be free

Use Google Maps instead of Apple Maps

Everyone knows Google Maps is superior to Apple Maps. Google Maps for iPhone is fast, functional, beautifully designed, and most importantly, won't get you lost.

Price:Free

Use Fetchnotes instead of Notes

Apple's stock notes app isn't that great. Fetchnotes improves on note taking and productivity in general. The app makes taking notes as simple as writing a tweet and has an excellent system of tagging using hashtags.

Price:Free

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Why settle for default hardware when you can turn your iPhone into something far more original?

Here are seven especially interesting ways that people have customized their smartphones.

A glowing Apple logo

Wouldn't it be cool if your Apple logo lit up?

Now it can. Just buy this $42.90 kit and get ready to void your warranty.

Make your phone translucent

Opaque is boring. Clear is too revealing. Translucent? Now we're talking.

You can make your own iPhone a translucent beauty using this kit.

Turn your phone into a serious camera

Turtleback's SLR Jacket lets you mount professional-grade lenses to your iPhone to let you take some interesting and detailed photos.

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Vine is a startup that was acquired by Twitter before it even launched.

It's a mobile app that makes it easy to create and share animated GIFs. Since the acquisition was announced, a lot of people have started to play with the app, including a few big name brands and media organizations.

Need some inspiration before making your first Vine? Check out 13 interesting ways big brands are getting attention with the app.

Urban Outfitters was the first brand to make a Vine. It was smart and took a video of puppies.

The most important Vine you'll ever see. #uodogsvine.co/v/b5HEYV0IQPJ

— Urban Outfitters (@UrbanOutfitters) January 24, 2013

iJustine appeared to be scared of a mouse.

WHERE U GOIN MOUSE??!! vine.co/v/b5jEeX70Pw7

— iJustine (@ijustine) January 25, 2013

Gap zoomed through a few decades worth of ads in just a few seconds.

A trip down #Gap advertising memory lane for our #firstpost on Vine. vine.co/v/b5PeYQOLuLj

— Gap (@Gap) January 25, 2013

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This post originally appeared at Oyster.com.

Skiing is one of our favorite winter pastimes: There’s just something about getting out in the fresh air (and fresh powder) that does a body good.

And whether you’re doing the “pizza” down the bunny slopes or have mastered the double black diamond, you’ll be sure to have a great time, especially considering all the other offerings ski destinations and hotels have: gorgeous spas, fabulous shopping, heated pools, you name it.

So without further adieu, here’s a roundup of our favorite ski hotels that go above and beyond with amenities such as ski-in/ski-out locations, elegant rooms, and activity-packed itineraries.

Viceroy Snowmass, Snowmass, Col.

Viceroy Snowmass is easily the most luxurious resort in Snowmass Village, and is packed with top-notch amenities, including a 7,000-square-foot spa with a stunning relaxation room, a solid fitness center, and a lovely pool area with heated saline pool, cabanas, and fire pit.

It also offers phenomenal ski valet service (valets will take care of everything from scheduling lessons to putting your boots on for you) and a prime ski-in, ski-out location. There’s a daily resort fee, and you’ll have to pay for valet, but that’s to be expected at a resort of this caliber.

The Gant, Aspen, Col.

A popular choice among families, The Gant sits near the base of Aspen Mountain and features 140 one- to four-bedroom condos with Aspen-inspired decor (leather and wood accents, rich colors, and scenic mountain artwork).

The hotel is on a large piece of land, and has two heated outdoor pools with accompanying whirlpools.

Sky Hotel, a Kimpton Hotel, Aspen, Col.

The Sky Hotel sits on prime Aspen property, directly at the bottom of the Silver Queen Gondola with one of the best ski-in/ski-out locations in the valley. While rooms are on the small side for the price, they reflect Kimpton’s signature style, with a modern take on lodge décor, a daily wine hour, an excellent deck with pool and whirlpool, and one of the most happening apres-ski scenes in Aspen.

Amenities for guests’ four-legged friends are plentiful, too, and unlike at other resorts, there’s no fee or size restriction, easily making this the most pet-friendly hotel in Aspen.

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"Mad Men" fans, get your skinny ties and martini shakers ready: AMC's critically adored period drama will return on Sunday, April 7, with a special two-hour season premiere.

"To be able to continue exploring the stories of these characters for a sixth season is an amazing opportunity," said series creator Matt Weiner in a statement. "We love mining this world and look forward to bringing the audience stories that we hope will continue to both surprise and entertain them."

In the past, Weiner has been notoriously tight-lipped about Mad Men, which follows the dapper and somewhat enigmatic advertising executive Don Draper (Jon Hamm) throughout the 1960s — but a few details on the show's upcoming season have managed to slip out.

Here's what we know about Mad Men's sixth season so far.

1. Season 6 will be the series' penultimate season.

In an interview with The Daily Beast, Weiner confirmed that Mad Men will end after its seventh season, which means there are just 26 episodes left in the series.

But Weiner also stresses that season 6 will have its own distinct arc, even as he looks ahead to Mad Men's ultimate ending. "I never had the guarantee of even one more season for the first few seasons I did the show. So I would just use all the story I had," says Weiner. "And it's a much better way to do it."

2. At least some of the season premiere will be set in Hawaii.

The vast majority of Mad Men's narrative is set in New York. The season 6 premiere, however, will reportedly take Don and his wife, Megan (Jessica Pare), to the sandy beaches of Hawaii.

It remains unclear why the characters have embarked on a tropical vacation, but photos at The Huffington Postreveal that Don is still a smoker and that Megan enjoys fruity blue cocktails.

3. Peggy and Betty will be back.

Some fans and critics had speculated that Mad Men would continue without January Jones, who played Don's ex-wife, Betty, in a reduced role last season, or Elisabeth Moss, who left Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce for a new firm near the end of season 5.

But Weiner confirms that both actresses will be returning. "I can tell you their names are in the credits,"says Weiner to TV Guide Magazine. "And none of the cast has been let go."

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If an advertiser is willing to spend as much as $4 million on 30 seconds of Super Bowl commercial space, you'd better bet that it's going to pull out all the stops. Often, going big means signing on celebrities.

Big names like Kate Upton, Amy Poehler, and Beyonce have all got Super Bowl ad deals this year. But with whom?

Test your skill to see if you can guess which brand signed which celebrity.

What Super Bowl ad is Amy Poehler in?

The recent Golden Globe host will star in a Best Buy ad.

What Super Bowl ad is Kaley Cuoco in?

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Charlie Sheen isn't the first major character to be axed from a hit show ("Two and a Half Men"), and there are others who (sometimes) ill-advisedly killed their own golden goose while their former show, despite dire predictions, went on.

Here are some memorable examples.

Shelly Long on "Cheers"

When Cheers debuted in 1982, one of the main continuing story threads was the love/hate relationship between wannabe-intellectual waitress Diane (Shelley Long) and retired athlete/bar owner Sam (Ted Danson). But behind the scenes, Long's relationship with not only Danson but the rest of the cast and crew of Cheers leaned more toward the "hate" side of the equation. Long was a perfectionist and, among other quirks, often held up taping for 45 minutes or more to have her hair and make-up redone (all the while, the studio audience was sitting and waiting).

After the box office success of her 1987 film Outrageous Fortune, Long decided to leave Cheers to pursue her movie career. Unbeknowst to critics and viewers who predicted certain death for the sitcom with the departure of such a major character, Long's departure actually relieved a good deal of on-set tension and virtually revitalized the cast and writers. Cheers ran for another very successful six seasons until Ted Danson finally decided to call it quits.

Ron Howard on "Happy Days"

Red-haired aw-shucks all-wholesome-American Ron Howard starred as Richie Cunningham on Happy Days for the first seven years of the long-running sitcom's 10 year run. Howard had been acting since the age of four, including a nine-year stint as Opie on The Andy Griffith Show.

Having spent most of his life on studio sets, he developed a serious interest in directing, and the respectable box office results of 1977's Grand Theft Auto, his directorial debut, further whetted his creative appetite. He was itching to stop playing a teenager and start pursuing his dream. Since virtually every Happy Days plot revolved around Richie, the producers were panicked when Howard gave his notice, so he agreed to return for a limited number of guest shots after his character joined the Army and was shipped off to Greenland. 

Happy Days continued for another four seasons, but the changes wrought by Howard's departure were mind-boggling. Somehow Joanie, Chachi, Fonzie, et al., were magically transported 30 years into the future. Instead of a feel-good slice of 1950s nostalgia, viewers were treated to a barrage of Very Special Episodes (with formerly apolitical Fonzie suddenly solving the problem du jour—be it racism, single parenthood, or alcoholism—in 30 minutes) and featuring cast members who looked like they'd stepped out of an Izod ad rather than the Eisenhower era.

Of course, Howard hasn't done too badly for himself since hanging up his Jefferson High jacket...

Rob Lowe on "The West Wing"

When Rob Lowe first signed on to play Deputy Communications Director Sam Seaborn on The West Wing, he was considered the "box office draw" and was likewise given both top billing and the highest salary. But after the first season, the show started to gain critical acclaim and the supporting cast attracted more attention.

Once The West Wing became a bona fide ratings hit, supporting actors Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, and John Spencer joined forces and demanded a sizable salary increase. The granted pay raise brought the quartet up to the same salary level as original "main" star Rob Lowe.

When Lowe asked for a raise, the producers refused him and, as Lowe later stated in his autobiography, he thought, "You know what? This is not right. It's just not right," so he called it quits in 2003. Despite his bitter departure, Lowe was still appreciative to the series' producers for essentially reviving his career (which had been in a slump after a notorious hotel sex video was made public) and he appeared in two parts of a four-episode story arc that served as the series finale in 2006.

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The days of the California roll are numbered. Do you really want to eat a run-of-the-mill maki roll stuffed with flimsy strands of tasteless cucumber, dried-out imitation crab, and mushy avocado? Ordering one at any respectable sushi restaurant is like asking for buttered pasta at a four-star Italian restaurant.

Today, the American palate is more sophisticated than ever, and as a result, sushi’s popularity continues to soar. Ingredients once considered too hard to find are now commonplace at sushi restaurants from Manhattan to Minneapolis. Just one peek at the recent documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, which follows one of the most respected sushi masters, and it’s clear why diners love eating everything from raw clams to rice topped with precious caviar. Sushi is not only healthy, it’s also the cuisine of choice for Hollywood celebrities. Our selection of seafood has never been better.

See the best sushi restaurants in the U.S. >

But it wasn’t always this way, says Tim Zagat, who with his wife, Nina, founded the Zagat Restaurant Survey back in the 1980s. What was once considered exotic is now everyday fare for even young children. Zagat included the ratings of 34 Japanese restaurants across the country in 1990, but today there are 221 in that category.

 “The idea of eating raw fish? Most people thought that would be a fraternity prank,” says Zagat. “Now there’s a sushi bar on every corner.”

At Brushstroke in New York City, chef David Bouley collaborated with the Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka, Japan, to create tasting menus that let diners experience a range of flavors. One moment you may take bites from a chirashi bowl, a mound of rice topped with shimmering pieces of sashimi, and the next you’ll dip a tender lobster tail into white miso sauce.

Our list of the 20 best sushi restaurants includes a range of options. In Atlanta, the popular spot Tomo serves simple Japanese snapper with shiso and a squeeze of lemon, or for those who aren’t purists, a popular spicy scallop roll is a must order. Another favorite of ours includes Urasawa in Los Angeles, where the dining experience is equal parts theater and art.

While the price tag can be steep to experience some of the country’s best sushi, as much as $500 for dinner, our list below is aimed at all budgets, with each experience worth the trip.

More articles from Travel + Leisure:

• World's Best Wine Resorts
• World's Most Bikeable Wine Regions
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Soto, New York City

Soto remains under the radar among notable sushi restaurants in New York but is consistently ranked among the best by guidebooks like Zagat and Michelin. One reason is chef Sotohiro Kosugi. The menu features several varieties of sea urchin — all worth ordering. In the small, serene dining room the best views of Kosugi working his magic are best had from the bar. There’s also a menu of fine sakes — great for pairing with your kampachi tartare, diced bits of yellowtail fish, or thinly sliced Long Island fluke dusted with sea salt and a touch of yuzu zest.

357 Sixth Ave.; (212) 414-3088; sotonyc.com

Brushstroke, New York City

TriBeCa’s resurgence has attracted a number of well-known restaurant openings to the downtown neighborhood, but none rival the nearly 10 years of planning that went into Brushstroke, where chef David Bouley tapped masters from the famed Tsuji cooking school in Osaka. At this warm, minimally designed restaurant, the sushi is first rate: lobster may be studded with bits of salmon roe, but most of the items focus on very pure, traditional nigiri. For instance, the fatty tuna or mackerel atop a bed of rice shows off the taste of the fresh fish. The rice is cooked to the perfect temperature, and the slices of fish are meant to be consumed in a single bite.

30 Hudson St.; (212) 791-3771; davidbouley.com

Makoto, Washington, D.C.

Makoto means “harmony” in Japanese, and that may be the best description of the food at this well-known D.C. favorite. Ordering omakase in this quaint restaurant is the way to go here, as a procession of pageantry unfolds before you. A variety of fish, whether raw or flash grilled, is accompanied by courses ranging from silky layers of tofu topped with grated ginger to delicate vegetables lightly fried in a tempura batter. The dishes at Makoto roll out at a steady pace, and while you can order à la carte, it’s best to let the chefs make the decisions.

4822 MacArthur Blvd. Northwest; (202) 298-6866; makotorestaurantdc.com

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In recent years, flying first class has lost its luxury luster, to the point where we're not even sure if it's still worth the money.

But for those who are set on having the best at 30,000 feet, it's good to know which airlines to choose.

For 15 years, the World Travel Awards have been selecting the "World's Leading Airline" for flying first class.

Etihad Airlines has won every year since 2008, including 2012. But the eight other nominees have great things to offer as well.

You'd be hard-pressed to find better service, better food, or more comfortable settings than in the first class cabins you're about to see.

American Airlines

This airline offers the industry's first swivel seats in its first class section, making face-to-face interaction much easier.

The 6' 6" seats aboard American have dropdown armrests and recline fully flat.

British Airways

Each first class suite aboard British Airways comes with a private wardrobe. 

It was also the first airline to offer electronic blinds onboard a commercial aircraft.

Cathay Pacific Airways

All dishes aboard Cathay are made to order, representing an array of Asian and international cuisine.

For entertainment, passengers can select from more than 100 movies, 500 TV shows, and 22 radio channels — in 10 languages — to watch on their personal screen.

There are only six to nine first class seats — suites, really — aboard each of Cathay's jets.

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