If you think New York State’s deficit is bad, take a look at New Jersey, where a $11 billion budget gap is pushing officials to think creatively. One plan? Sell the naming rights for 12 rest stops on the NJ Turnpike and eight on the Garden State Expressway. "The 'Nike Stop' . . . maybe that would be worth $10 million," suggested DOT Commissioner James Simpson, according to the AP. One highly trafficked hub is named for Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, while others bear the names of Revolutionary war heroes, poets like Walt Whitman and political figures like Alexander Hamilton. In the future, they could go strictly corporate, however a naming rights expert says $1 million is a more realistic pricetag. more ›

href="http://torontoist.com/2008/02/phototo_snowbal.php">photographing a big, organized snowball fight.

Update: Here are some of our photographs from the parade route - it look us a few hours to download the photos and decompress/shake out the confetti from the parade. We'll be adding a slideshow later. more ›

After the Giants' wild underdog Super Bowl win last night, it's no surprise that New York area papers are reveling in this victory. The Daily News give its readers a special commemorative Super Bowl victory cover (inside, there's a traditional front and sports back cover - sans Giants mention). Both the News and the NY Post feature Eli Manning holding the Vince Lombardi trophy. Maybe this is their way of apologizing for ragging on him mercilessly (though with reason) for his first seasons. more ›

11:27PM: We're enjoying the postgame coverage of the Giants' victory, with sad Tom Brady, really excited Michael Strahan (singing Eli's praises), Peyton Manning being thrilled with his brother's success (aw!) and thoughts from the 1972 Dolpins, secure with their undefeated record for another year (but the Patriots still won more games in a row!). While we've been inside, there are a number of large crowds celebrating the Giants' win all over the city - the police have been called to break some of them up! more ›

After two weeks of hype, Super Bowl XLII is finally around the corner. The Giants have reached the ultimate game with a chance to prevent history by ruining the Patriots' quest for a perfect 19-0 season. more ›