(FORTUNE Magazine) – Auto racing Jeff Gordon NASCAR star

"The hot thing right now is these remote-control cars with gas-powered engines. It's like a model--you have to assemble it. A lot of crew members and drivers have gotten into them. They'll set up a little track in the infield or in the compound. I've got three. They're gas-powered, and you have to know how to tune the engines. These things will fly. You can't imagine how fast they are."

OFNA Monster Pirate, as shown, $499; from Brooklyn Hobbies (718-951-2500, www.brooklynhobbies.com)

Wall Street Maria Bartiromo CNBC anchor and author of Use the News

"I can't really think of anything specific--a house in the Hamptons, a boat--it's not like that in this environment. So many mutual funds--and their managers--are underperforming that it's cool to be able to say that you've predicted what's unfolded on Wall Street."

Architecture--Design Liz Diller and Ric Scofidio Diller + Scofidio

"No listing in the Yellow Pages."

Art Arne Glimcher Chairman, PaceWildenstein

"In my world more and more people are buying yachts. Luxurious yachts. If they're not buying, they're at least chartering. In terms of art, Jeff Koons' porcelain sculptures are obviously very much in demand. One brought in over $5 million at Sotheby's. He appeals on many levels. Also Chuck Close, because he makes only a couple of paintings a year, and demand can never be satisfied."

Michael Jackson and Bubbles, 1988, by Jeff Koons

Advertising Jonathan Bond Co-Chairman, Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners

"The status symbol these days is being relaxed. Everyone in advertising is stressed out, and people who appear calm and confident in the face of all of this--'Hey, what recession?'--are the ones making everyone else jealous."

Restaurants Todd English Executive chef-owner, the Olive Group

"Chefs pull very late hours yet can find some free time early weekday mornings, so golf is an ideal escape. That's why there are so many of us--Daniel Boulud, Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay--out on the links. The big thing is TaylorMade golf clubs: 300 irons--they're made of forged iron--and a 320 driver. A lot of PGA players use them."

TaylorMade300 Series irons, $126 per club; 800-829-5676, www.taylormadegolf.com

Silicon Valley Regis McKenna Chairman of the McKenna Group

"Remodeling your house or refurnishing it. It's as expensive as buying, and it's still extremely difficult to find carpenters, plumbers, and contractors. (I'm remodeling my bathroom right now.) Also popular now is buying a vineyard--a very expensive hobby."

Hollywood Anonymous (Two studio execs and an agent, none of whom wanted to be named)

"A Pilates reformer in your house (with personal trainer), a supercharged Jaguar, a dog shrink, and three personal assistants--one on the East Coast."

Detroit Sue Callaway Vice President and General Manager, Jaguar Cars North America

"For getting from coast to coast in 3 1/2 hours, a Citation X jet is worth every penny. Extravagantly crafted watches are another wanna-have, especially anything with a clear crystal back, such as the top-end Panerai. And the leather experts at Connolly have come out with the ultimate carrying case for jumper cables. They're hardly necessary these days, but the case is so beautiful that you'll want it anyway."

Connolly Jump Lead Kit, $725; 011-44-207/479-7163