According to a new ranking of international cities for "global innovation economy in volatile economic conditions," Boston is the most innovative city in the world the second year in a row. New York came in at #5 according to an index "based on measuring 31 common industry and community segments weighted against global trends," though the Innovation Cities website doesn't seem to mention just what those are, or what any of it means. We just know we beat San Francisco. more ›

[UPDATE BELOW] The city's bed bug epidemic has been getting pretty out of hand, with the critters crawling all the way into the Empire State Building to assert their control. But we can sleep easy (or maybe with just one eye open) with the knowledge that we're not actually the most infested city in America. That honor goes to Cincinnati. In fact, according to data from Orkin, Ohio seems to be the most infested state, with Cincinnati and Columbus taking the top two spots. Here are the top 10: more ›

Hear the World, which works to prevent hearing loss around the world, is holding an event at Macy's Herald Square from January 6th to the 19th, offering free hearing screenings and information about protecting your hearing. Dr. Kasper tells the Post that the easiest way to save your eardrums is also free: "We have wonderful earplugs built in, they are called our fingers." Unfortunately, the incessant voices in our heads persist, no matter how deeply we burrow our fingers in. Below, Hear the World's list of some of the loudest spots in NYC. more ›

Put down that silly book and stop ironing that tight-fit v-neck for a moment, lads, and know this: you're now a part of the least manliest city in the nation, according to some list. The #1 spot on the "America's Manliest Cities" index went to Nashville (home to an unhealthy number of NASCAR enthusiasts), with NYC falling right at the very bottom. They report, "Despite high ratings in the bowling category, New York City ranks 50th out of 50 in the study due to low scores in manly indicators such as fishing, home improvement and drag racing." Cities that got higher rankings did so through high purchases of salty snacks, number of hardware stores, monster truck rallies and, of course, sports bars. Fun trick: if you flip the list upside down you'll get the America's Most Educated Cities list, and hey, we're #1! [via Village Voice] more ›

Just as the current economic conflagration is blazing brighter than ever, two major restaurant guides have appeared in as many days this week, telling you all the best places to dine in style until the money runs out. Yesterday saw the release of the prestigious Michelin NYC guide, and today we have the more democratic Zagat restaurant guide, compiled using reviews from 38,128 local surveyors who ate out over 6.6 million meals this past year, covering 2,073 eateries across the five boroughs. Some of this year's standouts include Asiate (best decor), Union Square Cafe (most popular), Per Se (best food) and Momofuku Ko (best newcomer). more ›

One can understand losing out to San Francisco, but being out-gayed by Sydney, Australia, where homosexuality was illegal until 1984? Sydney placed second in the Independent's hierargay, apparently solely on the strength of their fabulous three-week long Mardis Gras, which is the biggest dance party in the country. The UK paper, despite heralding New York as "the gay capital of the world," deems us only worthy of the bronze. Whatever. At least we bested the Greeks—no small feat—and their gaytopia island of Mykonos, which comes in fourth. For contrast, the Independent also shouts out the five worst places to be gay, which include Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is punishable by death or whipping, and Nigeria, where even writing or talking about support for gay people can land you in prison. [Via Joe. My. God. Photo Cred.] more ›

US News & World Report has released its annual list which ranks the best colleges and universities. All the usual suspects make the top 10, with Columbia University sharing its 8th place title with both Duke and the University of Chicago. NYMag weighs in, saying Columbia is the Duke of the North (burn?), just as about "ten southern schools refer to themselves as The Harvard of the South." The Bwog notes that "Chicago and Columbia were tied for the #9 spot last year, while Duke ranked 8th." Starting this Fall, Columbia gets a little more James Franco, which will clearly only up its ranking for next year. Also: NYU is #33 and Yeshiva University is #50 on the list of universities. more ›

According to a recently released international survey, quality of life in New York City has been slipping compared to other cities around the world. New York ranked 46th in 2006, 48th in 2007 and now 49th. That’s twelve places behind Boston! Washington, D.C., Chicago and Portland are also ranked higher for “quality” living in the survey, which was conducted by a global consulting and investment firm, Mercer. At least we solidly defeated Baghdad, which came in last at in 215th place. more ›

NYC’s air quality has gotten substantially worse compared to other cities, according to the American Lung Association's annual "State of the Air" survey. Since last year the city jumped from 10th worst in the nation for ozone pollution (smog) to an eighth place ranking. And in the category of short-term particle pollution (soot), NYC nabbed 13th place after ranking 17th worst in the last study. (L.A., the undisputed smog heavyweight, coasted to 1st place again.) more ›

A study conducted by the non-profit group America's Promise Alliance has found that New York City has one of the nation's worst high school graduation rates, ranking 43rd among 50 other major U.S. cities and their surrounding areas. Only 45% of high school students in New York City graduate in four years, while in the surrounding suburbs, the four year graduation rate is 83% more ›