There's a story in today's Times that should be a reminder to everyone that shredding documents is not a chore but a duty. An "About New York" column by Jim Dwyer tackles the tale of a man accused of being a deadbeat dad (it's Times Select, so maybe grab the Metro section from somewhere or use your college email). more ›

The age-old question about whether or not there really is one rat per New Yorker arises in today's NY Times City Section. While the number of rats hasn't been officially counted, the Times answers:

As for “one rat per person,” that is a myth that has persisted for at least 100 years. As Robert Sullivan noted in his 2004 book, “Rats,” a naturalist named David E. Davis analyzed New York’s rat population in 1949 and called the one-rat-per-human statistic absurd. (The statistic had come from 19th-century England and was never more than a guess.) more ›

Fear of TiVO has led NBC to create 1 minute short films during station breaks, in order to keep viewers on the channel and not only to keep watching NBC programming but also the advertisers who pay NBC dearly to advertise on the "Number One Channel for Viewers 18-49!" The Times' Bill Carter looks the scheme, called "1MMs", and its implications for the business. more ›

When Terrance Brennan, chef of Picholine and Artisanal, opened Terrance Brennan's Seafood and Chophouse, he started to receive cease and desist letters from Louisianna. From the Brennans of Brennan's in New Orleans. Much like something out of a Charlie Kaufman script, or a David E. Kelley legal drama, the Times reports "that expert witnesses were grilled about the differences between the Creole cuisine of Brennan's in New Orleans and the 'straightforward American food' of Brennan's in New York." Gothamist would have liked to have been in the courtroom. Perhaps William Grimes testified? Or Jeffrey Steingarten? Ruth Reichl maybe? A foodie can dream... more ›