we just like to be different. "Extraordinary" is the highest rating you can receive in the NJ section of the NYT. how does it go? poor, fair, good, very good, extraordinary. did i miss one? you can probably equate these, if one feels the need, to zero, 1, 2, 3, and 4 stars. however, you can't cut them in half like you can stars. and everyone knows a 1/2 star can make all the difference in the world.